POLICE are searching for men who pretended to work for the council to steal an elderly woman's bank card.

The man visited a home in Lymington Road, New Milton on Wednesday, July 11. He told the homeowner he was from the council and drainage work was required due to an issue with the property next door.

The victim's daughter was then called by a second man, who said a £20 deposit was required by chip and PIN in order for equipment to be brought onto the property. Despite several phone calls from the second man, the PIN was not disclosed.

However, the elderly woman handed her bank card to one of the men after being told it was needed for the deposit and would be returned.

Both men left with the card and failed to return it. Council officials later confirmed no such works had been requested or authorised.

The victim's bank card was produced at several convenience stores nearby. It was used successfully for one transaction.

Police have now released CCTV of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44180261357.