Police are warning residents to be on their guard against a conman trying to trick his way into homes in the East Grinstead area.

A man talked his way into a property in Dorset Avenue and then into another home in School Lane, Forest Row, stealing the contents of two handbags.

He either claimed he was from the water board and there was a burst water main in the road, or that the next door neighbour's house was flooding and he needed to turn off the water inside.

The suspect was described as having a smart Mediterranean appearance, in his early 30s, with medium length jet black wavy hair.

Anyone with information should call East Grinstead police on 0845 6070999.