Police have issued this warning after two men conned their way into the home of a woman near Mansfield

The incident happened at an address on Balfour Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, between 10.30am and 11am on July 30.

Officers say the men knocked on the door and claimed they needed to check the water supply. They then spent around half an hour in the property before leaving.

The older of the two men was described as white, of average build and around 40 to 45 years old. He wore a face mask and a green tabard that appeared too small for him. The other man was described as white and aged in his mid twenties. He was also wearing a dark top and trousers.

Detective Constable Louise Foster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These two men claimed to be concerned about tree roots disrupting this property’s water supply, but checks with both Severn Trent Water and the local council suggest they were not who they claimed to be.

“While we don’t believe anything was stolen we would like to track them down as quickly as possible to find out what they were doing and why. If you saw them yesterday either in this area or elsewhere we’d like to hear from you.

"Some criminals often prey on our most vulnerable of residents, tricking their way into homes by making up stories, by pretending to work for an official company or asking for help to try to gain entry.

"We want to remind people to be on their guard, especially if someone you’re not expecting – a man, woman or even a child – knocks on your door.

"Don't allow anyone without valid identification access to your home and, if you're unsure, don't let them in. Keep the chain on the door while talking to them and check with the company that the person is purporting to be from.

"Our advice is always to say no to cold-callers and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately.”

If anyone has any information about this incident please call 101 quoting incident number 561 of July 30.