A tubby man pestered homeowners, refusing to leave they wanted him too.

Sussex Police believe there was something suspicious about his behaviour.

He visited the home in Springbank, Chichester, at 12.45pm on Monday (9).

He told the occupant he was looking to buy antiques and was allowed in.

Once inside, he spent time looking at the householder’s ornaments despite being asked to leave.

When he finally did go nothing had been taken. The man is described as white, in his 50s, 5ft 8inchs tall, tubby build, with short hair.

He was smartly dressed wearing a long sleeved shirt and grey trousers.

He got into a blue or grey car which was parked in Springbank.

Detective David Medley from Chichester CID said: “Remember simple steps to protect your home, such as using your door chain if you are not expecting a visitor, asking for identification from people who claim to be from a company and if in doubt, ring the company using a number from your phone book.

“Genuine callers do not mind waiting.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the Broyle Road area near the road works at this time and saw anything suspicious. Please call 0845 60 70 999.