A BOGUS policeman tried to trick his way into the home of an 85-year-old woman in Banbury.

At about 9.30pm on Tuesday, a man called at the door of an 85-year-old lady in Union Street, Neithrop, claiming to be from the police.

He said that her house had been broken into and that she should go into the bedroom and check that her money was safe. The lady said that she had no money in the home and walked towards him, ushering him out of the door. The lady then saw another man run away. The man then left. Nothing was stolen.

Det Con Jane May, from the Banbury Priority Crime Team, said: "In this instance, the lady has done the right thing by not letting the man into her house. All police officers and staff carry identification, so people should ask to see it before letting them into their home.

"I would ask that if anybody witnessed the incident, or saw two men in the area acting suspiciously, to please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con May via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or if you don't want to talk to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.