A desperate gang of men targeted the elderly in a series of attempted burglaries.

Surrey Police issued an appeal for witnesses after three men tried to gain entry to a number of addresses in Cobham and Hersham.

The first incident took place in Winstanley Close, Cobham, at about 2.30pm on Monday, May 14.

Members of the public called police to report three men trying to gain entry to a number of addresses in a block of flats by trying door handles and putting their hands through letter boxes.

When a resident challenged the group, they claimed there were trying to read meters. When they were unable to force entry to any of the flats they sped off in a blue Audi hatchback.

Just 10 minutes later in Burwood Road, Hersham, three men knocked on the door of another elderly resident and claimed they were selling carpet cleaning products.

The victim refused to purchase anything because they were not carrying any items, and the men knocked on more doors before leaving in the same car.

Detective Constable Tracey Heneghan said: “Both incidents are of concern as it would appear that the same group of suspects have made concerted efforts to trick their way into the homes of several elderly residents.

“Having failed to gain entry to any of the flats in Cobham the suspects immediately travelled to Hersham and tried to do the same thing again which demonstrates their desperation and desire to get what they wanted.

“The offenders have deliberately targeted areas with a high number of elderly residents and cynical and appalling offences of this nature will not be tolerated by Surrey Police.

“Fortunately on both occasions the men left empty-handed but the elderly victims have understandably been left very shaken and upset by what must have been a very frightening experience.”

The three men were white in their mid-20s or early 30s, between 5ft 10in and 6ft, of muscular build and clean shaven with Irish accents.

They were all wearing black Puffa jackets and black trousers. One of the men had short fair hair and the other two men both had short brown hair.

Call police on 101, quoting reference EL/12/3137, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information.