A conman posing as a policeman was thwarted by a pensioner as he tried to get into her home.

A man called at the home of an 85-year-old woman in Union Street, Neithrop, Banbury, at 9.30pm on Tuesday, claiming to be a police officer.

He told the pensioner her house had been broken into and asked her to check in the bedroom to see if her money was safe.

But the woman said she had no money in the home and ushered the bogus caller to the front door where a second man was seen fleeing the scene. Nothing was stolen from her house.

DC Jane May, of 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."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC May by calling 0845 8 505 505, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.