JEWELLERY was stolen in a distraction burglary after three men offered to clean the gutters of a Southampton homeowner.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident in New Road, Netley Abbey, on between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Tuesday. 

Officers say a man knocked on the door of a 77-year-old man and offered to clean the gutters for £20, which he agreed to.

The man then returned with two further men and asked for £3,800 for the gutters and roof to be fixed.

The victim regused but allowed one of the men to enter the house to check whether water was seeping in.

Later that day the victim discovered an item of jewellery missing - a sovereign with a picture of Winston Churchill on one side on a gold chain.

One of the suspects is described as white, in his early 30s, between 5ft 9 and 5ft 10 tall, and possibly had an Irish accent.

Another suspect is described as white, in his early 30s, and between 5ft 9 and 5ft 10.

The third man is described as mixed race, in his late teens, and between 5ft 9 and 5ft 10 tall.

PC Abigail Bielby, from Western area CID, said: "Were you approached by three men offering to clear gutters in the New Road area or did you see three men matching the description of the suspects?

"Do you have details of a vehicle they were travelling in?

"Any information you have no matter how small may help us to trace these men."

Anyone with information should contact PC Bielby at Southampton Central police station by calling 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.