Bogus officials are targeting elderly people in Haywards Heath and Lindfield, police have warned.

The spate of visits started on Saturday afternoon, when a gang of three called at an elderly woman's home in Dellney Avenue, Haywards Heath, at about 4.30pm.

A man and a woman entered the 80-year-old's home through the unlocked back door and started a conversation with her.

Sergeant Jon Pink of Haywards Heath police said the pair had information about a genuine appointment the pensioner had arranged.

He said: "We don't know how they got the information but they said they were representing an official organisation."

After talking about the pensioner's garden and asking for a glass of water, the conmen left in a light grey saloon car driven by a second man.

Afterwards the woman realised her handbag had been taken from the kitchen.

Police are investigating similar incidents at Sunte Avenue and High Street, Lindfield, and in Newton Road, Haywards Heath.

Sgt Pink warned people to be vigilant, use door chains, check callers' identification and, if unhappy, call the police.

The woman caller was white, slim, aged 20 to 30 and about 5ft 9in tall with tied-back blonde hair. She wore a pink top and jeans.

Her accomplice was white, aged 30 to 50, about 5ft 6in tall, thick-set with short hair. He wore a dark blue or brown jacket.

The driver was white, aged 50 to 60, with long dark hairand wore a navy blue blazer.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Emma Whyte on 0845 6070999.