POLICE have released an e-fit of a man they want to speak to in connection with a distraction burglary at the house of an elderly lady in Wirral.

A pensioner was robbed by a man claiming to be from the water board earlier this month.

The man called at an address in Townfield Gardens, Bebington, at around 6pm on Friday, November 6 and told the occupier that there was a water leak.

The woman allowed the caller into her property and accompanied him into the bathroom.

He asked her to run the tap for 10 minutes and told her if it turned blue, there was a leak He later left the property with a quantity of cash.

The victim called United Utilities and was told the man was not one of their staff members.

It was only later she discovered she had been robbed.

Investigations are ongoing into the incident.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Townfield Gardens area on the evening of November 6 who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to get in touch.

Detective Constable John Molyneux said: “We want to speak to anyone who may have information which could help us find this person.

“I would like to remind people that genuine, legitimate callers will always make an appointment first and will always carry proper identification.

"They will not mind waiting outside while you look up their company and call to check who they are.

"And if you still have any doubts, ask them to come back another time when you can have a friend, neighbour or relative with you.

“Neighbours can also play a big part in helping protect the more elderly or vulnerable members of our community by keeping an eye out for them, making sure they are okay and reporting anything untoward or suspicious to the police.”

Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2262 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.