A 76-year-old Ludlow woman’s Christmas savings have been stolen by a man pretending to be a water company official.

Several hundred pounds were taken by the man during a distraction burglary in Sidney Road last Tuesday lunchtime.

Police are now appealing for information about the theft.

The man called at the victim’s home between 1.10pm and 1.20pm and asked her to switch on her taps and boil a pan of water while he went to check the bathroom.

After he had left, the woman noticed money, which she had been saving for Christmas, had been taken from her bedroom and the lounge.

Investigating officer PC Will Quan said: “Quite clearly, this man set out to distract the occupant so he could search her rooms, possibly having let an accomplice in.

“I am hoping someone will come forward with information to help trace this man.

“If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area last Tuesday, or has any other information which might assist, call me at Ludlow police station on 0300 333 3000.”