POLICE have issued an e-fit of a man they believe is part of a gang of bogus callers who struck two communities in one day.

The team of three men, claiming to be water board officials, made off with hundreds of pounds after a distraction burglary in Simpson Street, Stanley, on Tuesday, February 11, at around 4.20pm. One stayed in the kitchen with the occupant, while the other two searched the house.

The same gang is believed to have targeted a 76-year-old woman in Tanfield Lea minutes earlier at around 3.40pm. The men entered the house and locked the door. Again, one sat in the kitchen with the pensioner, while the other two searched her home.

The trio were disturbed when the pensioner's daughter and grandson called round. They left empty-handed.

The first is described as white, in his early 30s, 5'5" tall, of medium build and fair hair that was spiky at the front. He had light coloured facial stubble and spoke with a Southern Irish accent.

The second was white, aged around 25, 5'5" tall, of stocky build, with dark, thick, black, greasy hair, with dark stubble. A third man was described as white, aged 19-20, around 5'3" tall, of thin build, clean shaven, with short, light coloured hair. All three wore dark blue, V-neck jumpers with a blue shirt and tie.

Anyone with information should contact Stanley Police on (01207) 232144.