THIS is the man police are hunting in connection with a distraction burglary of an elderly pensioner in Hampshire.

The 82-year-old victim lost £200 when a man tricked his way into her house in Fareham after following her home from the shops.

He pursued the woman from a charity shop in the town centre.

He followed her to the bus station before boarding the same bus to her home in Hill View Road, Portchester.

He tricked his way in by claiming his cat was in her back garden.

Once inside he stole a purse containing the cash from her handbag and running off along Dore Avenue.

The purse is navy or black, 6 inches in length with a cut flowers design.

Detective Constable Samatha Gee urged anyone who recognises him to contact her and added: “This is an unusual incident and I would urge people to be vigilant. If you're approached by someone you don't know, make sure you keep valuable belongings with you and safe at all times.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident at 2.45pm on Wednesday, June 4, should contact police on 101 or Crimsetoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting 44140196592.