A WOMAN who tried to enter the house of a pensioner claiming to be from Scottish Power is being sought by police.

The incident happened in Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough.

"A woman attempted to gain access to a property on Ormesby Road between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, July 14. She told the elderly occupant of the address that she was there to read the meter on behalf of Scottish Power," a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said.

"When the woman was refused access to the house she became insistent but was deterred when a male who was also in the address came to the door. The woman then walked away in the direction of Norfolk Shops."

The woman is described as around 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build with shoulder-length auburn hair with blonde streaks. She was wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt, a grey cardigan and a green scarf.

Anyone who may know the identity of the woman or anyone who may have seen a woman acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Kester Haith on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.