This is the man police believe tricked his way into a pensioner’s home and distracted her while another crook ransacked her belongings.

An 88-year-old woman was preyed on by the heartless pair on August 15 and now police officers are hoping someone will be able to identify one of the burglars from this e-fit image.

The pensioner fell victim to the crooks when this man, dressed in a striped T-shirt, turned up on her doorstep in Botley Road at about 5.15pm claiming a girl had broken her back windows with a pellet which he wanted to try to retrieve because it had sentimental value to him.

She allowed him into the back garden to search but he then said an upstairs window was broken and insisted he checked it with her.

The victim repeatedly asked the offender to leave and as he did she saw another man run from her living room. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, and is younger than his accomplice.

The burglars fled along Harley Road as the woman realised that her handbag, which contained cash and financial documents had been stolen.

PC George Atkinson said: “This incident has understandably left the victim very shaken and upset.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and noticed two men acting suspiciously.”

Anyone with any information should call PC Atkinson on 0845 8505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.