An 86-year-old man was pushed around inside his house by two burglars pretending to be police officers.

The incident occurred at a house off Leatherhead Road, in Bookham, at 10.30am, last Thursday (May 20), when two men claiming to be police officers called at the pensioner’s home.

The bogus police officers asked to be let into the property saying they just wanted “to look around”.

Both men once inside repeatedly asked the elderly man if he had any money, but when he said “no”, one of the suspects pushed him into his kitchen and held him there while the other suspect searched through his property.

Both burglars are described as white men of thin build in their 40s, approximately 5ft 9’ tall - one man had a moustache and black hair and both men were wearing plain clothes.

Surrey Police are now warning residents to be aware of bogus police officers operating in their area following the incident.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Nicola Finlayson, said: “This is a particularly worrying burglary as the victim was duped into letting the suspects into his home because he thought they were police officers. Once again these despicable people preyed on the trust and the vulnerability of their victim. The elderly gentleman is frail and has been left very shaken by the whole experience.

“We have carried out house to house enquiries and a number of residents saw a small silver possibly hatchback car with three men in their 20s inside around the area at the time of the burglary. One man was wearing a white jumper with horizontal bands, another was wearing a blue short sleeved shirt. If anyone knows who owns this car or is the owner of or was a passenger in the car, please come forward as you may have vital information that will assist us with our investigation.

“I would also urge the local community to watch out for anyone calling on friends and family, to double check their credentials or perhaps challenge someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house. If you are unsure of who they are or are at all concerned call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.”