Police appeal for witnesses

Jewellery and a purse were stolen after two men sneaked into a house in Foston on Wednesday.

The men, who entered the Back Lane home through an unlocked back door, were disturbed by the elderly woman resident just after 6pm.

Just after 6.30pm, two men claiming to be from the Water Board knocked on the door of an elderly woman's house on High Road, Barrowby.

They told her there was a risk of an explosion and they needed to turn off the water.

The men went into the house, but the woman became suspicious and told them to leave. They had searched the property, but it is not believed anything was taken.

One of the men was wearing a black jacket, tracksuit bottoms and had a scarf covering his face. One report suggested the men had accents that could be Irish.

Police believe the two incidents could be linked.

Inspector Nigel Storey said: "We are urging residents not to let anyone into their homes who hasn't made a prior appointment.

?If someone asks to be let in just close the door on them and call us straight away. Even if they have an appointment, check their ID and ring the company to verify it. They really won't mind if they are legitimate, in fact they should actively encourage it if you have any doubts."

Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300.