TWO New Forest pensioners were targeted by bogus water board officials who searched their home and stole £300.

The elderly pair were at their house at Gorley Road, Ringwood when the raiders struck.

Hampshire police say the "callous" criminals had no regard for their victims - a 76-year-old man and a 92-year-old woman.

A police spokesman said: "A man went to the house and gained entry by pretending to be from the water board. Once inside he let his accomplice into the property. While one of the men distracted the elderly occupants the other stole money and a cash card.

"The couple were not assaulted but were extremely upset.

"This was a callous crime carried out by two criminals who had no regard for the health or feelings of their elderly victims.

"One of the occupants is in poor health and needed a home check-up by her doctor as a direct result of the burglary."

The incident comes as the Daily Echo On Your Guard campaign urges pensioners to keep themselves safe. The campaign which was launched last month following a string of robberies targeting pensioners in their own homes aims to cut the number of crimes against the elderly.

Following these latest attacks, police have released a CD-fit, pictured, of one of the men who is described as 5ft 10in, aged about 25 and heavily built with short, light-coloured hair.

He spoke with a northern accent and was wearing a black tracksuit. His accomplice was about 5ft 10in.

Anyone with information about the incident which took place on Wednesday, February 16 should ring 0845 045 4545.