A MAN claiming to be from the gas board tricked his way into a Hilton home yesterday (Thursday).

The incident happened at a property in Church Lane at about 1.30pm when the man, claiming there had been a gas explosion, conned his way into an elderly woman’s home. He distracted her when she noticed another two men hiding in her front garden.

The men left and nothing was stolen.

The man is described as white, six foot, slim with black cropped hair and aged in his 30s. He was wearing a shiny blue shirt and grey trousers.

A short time later, a man claiming to be from the water board conned his way into a home on Stretham Road in Wilburton, approximately 20 miles away.

Between 1.50pm and 2.15pm, a man, claiming there was a water burst and the water was contaminated, tricked his way into a woman’s home. He distracted the woman in the kitchen while another man searched rooms in the property.

The men left and nothing was stolen.

The first man is described as white, between 35 and 40, 5ft 5in to 5ft 6in, slim with short dark hair which was wavy on top. He was wearing a light-blue striped shirt, navy trousers and black shoes.

The second man is described as white, between 45 and 52, 5ft 6in, of medium build, with short hair. He was wearing a light-brown cardigan and black trousers.

DC Neil Gibbs, investigating, said: “It is despicable to target elderly or vulnerable people in this way. These offenders deliberately tried to con their way into the homes and I would urge anyone with information about those responsible to contact police.”

CONTACT: Anyone with information should contact either DC Gibbs at Huntingdon Police Station on 101 or CID at Ely Police Station, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111