A pensioner allowed bogus officials into his home after they told him they needed to check his water and pipes.

The man, who lives in the Northborne Road area of Eastbourne, let the two men into his property after they told him there had been an alleged outbreak of poisonous discolouration of water locally.

It is unknown if the men stole any property during the incident on Thursday.

One of the men was a slimbuilt Asian man, aged between 20 and 30. He was well-dressed in black clothing and shiny shoes.

His accomplice was a little older, shorter and fatter and had receding fair hair.

He was wearing a stripy top.

They were last spotted in the Churchdale area of the town at about 3.20pm, soon after the incident.

Steve George, from South East Water, said: “We want people to be safe in their home so never let anyone enter unless they are sure they are who they say they are.

“Our water samplers are required by our regulators to make unplanned visits to some customers’ homes to check the quality of tap water but they will always be happy to wait while occupants check their credentials and will always show their ID cards before asking to be let in.

“Our staff wear distinctive uniforms and drive vans with the company logo on them so look out for these signs.

“If anyone is uncertain about anyone claiming to be from South East Water they can call the bogus caller telephone line on 0800 5192222 to double check.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.