DETECTIVES are hunting a gang of men after the Hampshire house of a 90-year-old man was ransacked by distraction burglars.

The elderly victim discovered his home in Alma Road, Romsey in a complete mess after spending half an hour with two men in his garden who claimed to be offering fence repairs.

The two men knocked on his door offering their gardening and fencing services, but when he returned back inside his home once they had left, having not done any work, the pensioner found his furniture upended, drawers emptied and mattresses moved.

The burglars had managed to flee with a wrist watch and cash from a wallet.

It came after several days of a number of men, claiming to be selling gardening and fencing services, called on the victim The two men in the garden both wore dark tight-fitting clothing and balaclava-type pull down woolly hats which did not cover their faces. The first man is tall and slim. The second was shorter and chubbier. He had a round face and dark hair sticking out from under his hat.

Detective Constable Donna Kay, said: “I want to hear from anyone who saw men delivering leaflets for gardening or fencing services. Did you see unfamiliar vehicles in the road or a van which may have been either plain or advertising gardening services?

Urging others to be vigilant she added: “Always ask callers for identification and verify who they are by calling the company they say they work for. Keep them outside a locked door while you make the check.”

If anyone has information about traders who are cold calling, offering to carry out property repairs, lay driveways or provide gardening services, they can contact the Hampshire Trading Standards Doorstep Crime Quick Response Team.

The number to call is 01962 833666, where specially trained officers are on hand to provide help or, if appropriate, attend the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 9am last Tuesday, is asked to contact DC Kay at Eastleigh CID on 101.