AN 86-YEAR-OLD man was the victim of distraction burglars who claimed to be checking the water at his home.

The pensioner discovered two men in his back garden in Uffington at about 1pm on Wednesday, who claimed to be dealing with a water valve problem.

At some point a third man got inside his house and stole cash.

Three men left in a dark-coloured saloon - all three were white and one spoke with an Irish accent.

The first burglar was in his 40s, stocky, about 5ft 7in, with dark brown collar-length hair and wearing a light brown peaked cap and a brown jacket.

The second man was in his mid-30s, 5ft 5ins, thin with black hair and wearing a blue jacket.

While the third man was about 20 years old and was wearing a baseball cap and anorak.

Det Con Rob Underhill said: "These men deliberately targeted an elderly victim in a remote village and I need to hear from anyone who thinks they saw the same group in the area that day so that I can stop them from doing the same thing again.

"Please remember that you don't have to let anyone into your home and that genuine callers will always have identification."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.