An efit of a man police are hunting after an elderly woman was burgled has been released.

The computer-generated image was issued by the force after the incident in Hythe earlier this month when a woman in her 90s had cash stolen from her home.

A man arrived at the victim's door in Prospect Road, on Wednesday May 8, offering to carry out work on her guttering - which she paid for.

The following day the same man returned, offering to fix her broken tiles on the roof, before quoting a new price for the woman.

On Saturday May 11 the man visited the victim a third time. While inside her home he asked for a cup of tea, leaving him in her room alone.

After the man had left, the elderly woman noticed a quantity of cash had been taken from her house.

"We advise people not to let strangers into your home..." - Investigating officer PC Kelvin Lucken

Investigating officer PC Kelvin Lucken said: "The victim had been visited a couple of times by the man before the alleged burglary took place, where he had arranged to carry out repairs on her home.

"The victim also reported that the work was never carried out, despite payment being given, so she has found herself further out of pocket.

"Distraction burglars will often find a reason to enter a house when the victim is there, such as pretending to be from a utility company, and typically will ask for a drink, or to use the bathroom, in order to give themselves time alone to steal.

"We advise people not to let strangers into your home, unless you can confirm their identity. If you think they are genuine but want to be sure, they should not mind if you ask them to return at a time when you can ask a friend or relative to be there as well.

"As part of our enquiries in this burglary, we have issued an efit and would like to identify the man pictured."

If you recognise the man, or if you have any information regarding the distraction burglary, call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/94608/19.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe