POLICE say a boy possibly as young as ten has been involved in a series of distraction offences in the Upavon area.

A woman with the boy called upon at least six houses in Watson Close at about 5.30pm on Saturday.

They said the boy was doing a school project and wanted to speak to the householder about wild flowers or local wildlife.

Most householders refused them admission but they were able to talk their way into two houses, although they were only successful in stealing from one, an 81 year old woman, said PC Gary Sears, who is investigating the incidents.

They asked if they could have a glass of water and a biscuit, stealing £200 from the 81-year-old's handbag while she was out of the room.

The boy distracted the pensioner by drinking four glasses of water and eating the biscuit

The woman accompanying the boy was white, in her twenties, about 5ft 6in tall, with brown hair with lighter streaks. She had a slight Irish accent and wore a three-quarter length coat and a jumper with the word Jennifer embroidered on the chest, which she led her victim to believe was her name.

The boy, who his female accomplice called Jack, was about 4ft 5in tall with short reddish-ginger hair. He wore a dark blue tracksuit top with light-coloured trousers.

Enquiries have revealed that the pair called at five other addresses on the same estate, with the youth using the same ruse. of being thirsty and wanting a biscuit.

PC Sears asks anyone who saw the woman and boy, especially if they were seen getting into a vehicle to contact him at Pewsey police station on (01672) 562222 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.