A CONMAN posing as a policeman duped his way into Abbeyfield Residential Home in Malmesbury and stole £180 from a 92-year-old woman.

The bogus caller sneaked into the home at Market Cross on Tuesday at about 4.50pm and knocked on the door of two elderly residents.

He said money had been stolen in the area and asked the women to check their purses.

When one turned her back, he stole her purse, containing a passport, building society book and £180.

The man drove off in a white transit van. He was about 5ft 7ins, in his 40s and of stocky build. He had spiky brown hair with bleached streaks, smelt of alcohol and had an Irish accent. He was wearing a luminous waist jacket.

Police want to hear from publicans in Malmesbury who may have served the man.

A week earlier, a man of about 35 had told Bill Hadland, 87, of Easton Square, Sherston, that a lion was on the loose, while an accomplice went inside his home and stole his wallet, containing £100.

"I saw another young lad on the other side of the drive, but he didn't say anything, and I thought nothing of it," said Mr Hadland. "I was annoyed, who wouldn't have been?"

The latest distraction burglaries follow a spate in North Wiltshire in January and February. Anyone with information is urged to call police on (01666) 822222.