BOGUS water workers claimed there had been an explosion so they could trick their way into the home of a Clayton West couple.

The men walked into the victims' home at Scott Hill at 1.20pm on Thursday.

The couple, both in their 80s, were in the dining room.

The men claimed there had been an explosion nearby and they were there to check the water.

They got the man to run taps in the kitchen and his wife to run them in the bathroom to see if a blue dye came through.

The workmen then made an excuse and left.

The couple later discovered that money had been stolen from a bedroom.

One of the thieves was described as white, aged 26 or 27, 6ft and thin.

He spoke with an Irish accent and wore a light-coloured top.

The second was white, aged 22 or 23 and well-built with short dark hair. He wore dark clothes.

Anyone who saw them or has any information should contact Pc David Robinson on 01484 436664.