POLICE are warning people to be on the alert following a spate of crimes involving bogus officials in various parts of County Durham.

People posing as water board officials have been targeting addresses in Aycliffe, Ferryhill and most recently, Chilton.

Officers are keen to crack down on the people responsible for these crimes and are appealing to members of the public to report anyone acting suspiciously.

The latest incident occurred in Keats Road, Chilton, between 2pm and 2.15pm on Tuesday.

Two men claiming to be from a water company conned their way into a pensioner's house and began searching the premises.

They made-off empty handed after the pensioner became suspicious, but police have released descriptions of the pair.

The first is described as white, aged 20 to 23, about 6ft, heavily built, with a round, clean shaven face and light coloured, short hair.

He was wearing a light- coloured long sleeved jumper and dark trousers.

The second male is white, in his mid to late 20s, 5ft 7in, of medium build, with stubble and dark brown hair.

He was wearing a black jacket and dark trousers and spoke with a Scottish accent.

Officers say anyone who is approached on their doorstep by an official should ask to see identification, and if they are still in doubt, they should contact the police immediately.

People with information on this, or any other bogus official-related crimes, should contact Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Ferguson, at Spennymoor CID, on (01388) 814411