TWO MEN left empty-handed after duping an elderly Hampshire couple into letting them into their home.

The couple, aged 85 and 86, were distracted by the pair who claimed their ball had gone into the rear of the property in Hamble.

One knocked on the door of the couple's home in Beech Gardens and asked to search for the ball. The elderly man accompanied one of the men into the rear garden to look it, leaving the other at the front door.

When they re-entered the house, the second man was seen coming out of a bedroom. Both men then left the property on foot.

The couple reported that the dressing table drawers had been disturbed and left open in the bedroom but nothing was taken.

Police are keen to trace the men and are urging people not to let strangers into their home under any circumstances.

The pair are described as white, aged 20-25 years and 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in. They were of slim build and one was wearing blue jeans and a beige jacket and had light coloured hair.

The police would like to hear from anyone who saw these two men or had them call at their home on Sunday.

If you have information call Hedge End police station on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.