A MAN in his sixties lost cash and valuables as a result of a distraction burglary in Amesbury.

The victim was befriended by a stranger while on holiday in Exeter.

The stranger then gained his trust and convinced him to disclose his home address and telephone number.

A few weeks later, on August 27, the man turned up at the victim’s home in Amesbury and was able to access cash and valuables by pretending he was a trusted friend who would return with the money and items.

He never returned.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged around 60 years old, around 5ft 10ins tall, with thin grey hair which was parted on the left.

He had a thin face and was of a slim or medium build.

He also had a scar on his face which ran downwards from the left corner of his mouth to the bottom of his chin.

He was wearing grey shorts and a t-shirt and was carrying a grey and red rucksack.

Police said they would not release further details of the victim's address or what was stolen.

PCSO Tina Roylance, from Wiltshire South Community Policing Team, said: “This is a despicable crime, where the offender has worked hard to build the trust of his victim and then prey on his generosity and trusting nature.

“We have put support in place for the victim, and we are working hard to trace our suspect to get justice for this man and hopefully prevent anyone else from being duped in this way.

“We are urging people to take a look at the picture and get in touch if they have any information which could help us identify them.”

Anyone who has information or who recognises the man in the picture is asked to contact PCSO Roylance on 101 quoting crime reference 54180081052.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.