THIS is the face of the burglar who tricked his way into the home of a 96-year-old woman by posing as a water official.

Police released the e-fit of the suspect as they renewed their appeal for witnesses.

The man called at the elderly woman’s home in Front Street, Sowerby, at around 1.30pm on Monday, claiming he was carrying out urgent drainage repairs.

He claimed he did not need an identity card as he was an outside worker.

The lady allowed him access to her home, where he pretended to check the sink area. While out of sight, he entered her bedroom where he found her handbag and stole an amount of cash. He then left the property stating everything was fine. The man is described as white, aged in his 30s, around 5ft 4in tall, of stocky build with short dark hair and was wearing a navy blue boiler suit.

Anyone with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.