Police have issued a warning against bogus water board officials who visited an elderly man's home in Riddlesden.

A man went to a house in Smithville, Riddlesden, around 4pm last Thursday claiming to be from Yorkshire Water. He showed some form of identification before the 77-year-old man allowed him into his home.

The elderly man was kept talking in the kitchen for about half an hour while the caller examined some pipework.

But Keighley police Sergeant Allan Gee says this appears to have been a distraction to allow other people into the house. "The man discovered after the caller left that someone had been upstairs," says Sgt Gee. The suspect is described as a white male with ginger hair, 5ft 10ins tall, and spoke with an Irish accent. He wore a green suit with a shirt and tie.

Investigations have revealed that the man was not an employee of Yorkshire Water. It appears that other people have been with him and police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the group in the area to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Keighley police want information concerning an attempted burglary in Silsden. A suspect was seen near the scene of the incident, which happened on Monday evening. Entry to the Breakmoor Avenue house was gained by smashing a window and a search was then undertaken of the property, although it appears that nothing was taken. The suspect is described as being a white male in his early 30s, of stocky build with short fair hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket and carrying a black holdall.

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