Police have issued a safety warning after imposters posed as water engineers to get into pensioners' homes.

The two incidents happened in Lewes on Thursday, April 12. Police believe they may be linked.

The first one was at in Millfield Close, Seaford, at around 4pm when two men called at the door of a 94-year-old woman, claiming to represent the water board and saying they needed to check the water pressure because of a leak.

The second offence occurred in Offham, near Lewes, at about 5.30pm. Three white men wearing black overalls and blue plastic gloves forced their way into the home of a 91-year-old woman, again claiming there was a leak.

They said that they needed to drain off pipes into saucepans while they checked.

An Audi car is believed to have been used by the criminals before being dumped in the Upper Belgrave Road, Seaford. People wearing balaclavas were seen running away from it shortly after 6pm.

It is not known if anything was stolen in either incident. Police have warned residents to be on their guard against bogus officials calling at their door and advised them to admit no-one unless absolutely sure they are genuine and have correct identification.

Anyone with information is asked to report details online or phone 101, quoting serial 1367 of 12/4 (Seaford) or 1053 of 12/4 (Offham).

Alternatively, please visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have given advice on Sussex Police website on how to protect yourself from bogus officials.