A warning has been given to householders to check the identity of callers before letting them into their homes or blocks of flats.

It comes after a man posing as an Argus reporter tried to trick his way into Warnham Court flats in Grand Avenue, Hove.

He told a 97-year-old woman that he wanted to ask her some questions but she became suspicious and refused to let him in.

Another resident later revealed she had been approached too.

Her son said: "A man pretending to be a reporter from The Argus called my mother over the external entry phone and said he would like to ask her some questions.

"When he said he would need to come in to do this she sensibly refused him entry."

The incident happened after a series of break-ins at other blocks and houses split into flats in the centre of Hove.

In each case the suspect used the intercom to persuade residents to let him in to visit someone in another flat.

After being let in through the communal front door he broke into flats.

Police are investigating a possible link between those incidents and the attempt to get into Warnham Court.

Inspector Mark Powles, of Hove police, said: "Residents should not let any callers in to blocks of flats or their homes without being sure who they are.

"All reporters working for The Argus carry identification as do representatives of other bona fide organisations."

The identity of staff at The Argus can be checked by calling 01273 544544 and asking to be put through to the department they work for.