Two men posed as police officers last night to con their way into the home of an elderly couple in Oxford before stealing several hundred pounds in cash.

Police said the distraction burglary took place at the home in Dene Road, Headington, where a 92-year-old man lives with his 88-year-old wife.

Chris Kearney, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said the two men were dressed in black clothes and black baseball caps to resemble police officers.

He added: “They also showed badges which the couple thought were genuine police badges.”

Mr Kearney said the men were allowed into the home at 7.35pm after telling the couple that they had spotted someone climbing through a window at the back of the house.

He added that the two men were asked to leave shortly afterwards after the wife spotted them searching an upstairs bedroom.

Thames Valley Police were then alerted by the couple when the theft was discovered.

One of the men was aged about 25, while the other was aged 30 to 32. Both were 5ft 9ins, of medium build and were wearing black trousers, black coats and black baseball caps.

Mr Kearney added: “The couple are shocked by what has happened, but fortunately they were not injured in the ordeal, and we are now appealing for any information about this incident."