Police have this week released CCTV images of two men believed to have targeted a 93-year-old man in Bethnal Green during a socalled distraction burglary.

The two suspects entered a private address posing as officials from the Water Board.

One of the suspects tricked the home owner into gaining entry and distracted him while an accomplice entered shortly afterwards and searched the address.

A police spokesman said: “The elderly gentleman became suspicious and challenged the men about their identity. The suspects then got frightened and left.”

Nothing is believed to have been stolen from the address.

Detective Superintendent Ian Burrows said “This type of offence is particularly cruel as criminals pray on the elderly and vulnerable. I would appeal for help in identifying these two and encourage everyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to warn them against this type of offence.”

The first suspect is described as a white male, about 20-yrs-old, with short dark hair and about 5ft 9ins tall. He was wearing a black zip up top.

The second suspect is descried as a white male, also aged around 20-yrs-old, and wearing dark clothing. The incident happened on May 17.

Anyone with information should contact DS Ian Burrows from the Tower Hamlets Burglary Squad based on 020 8217 7267 and quote: CRIS 4213395/12. Or to be anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.