THREE elderly women have foiled tricksters who called at their homes in Derry Hill.

A man and a woman knocked at their doors and gave a variety of reasons to be let in including pretending to want a glass of water, asking for a donation for the Roman Catholic church, and asking for directions to the church.

The calls all took place at around 6pm on May 31 and each of the women, aged between 73 and 85, refused to let the callers into their homes and sent them away.

DC Robert Hanna of Chippenham Police said: "They specifically targeted elderly people.

"On this occasion however, nothing was taken."

The male caller was described as white, in his 30s, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and clean-shaven with short mousey brown hair.

He spoke with an Irish accent.

The woman who was with him was described as white, about 5ft 4in tall, of a slim build, with collar length dark blonde hair.

Police are linking the incidents with another attempted distraction burglary that occurred at Shrewton, south of Devizes, later the same evening.

DC Hanna said: "There haven't been any further offences in the area since Saturday.

"We have good reason to believe the offenders headed out towards the Bristol area."

He warned residents to be careful of people knocking at the door purporting to be from one of the service agencies or making an excuse to be let in the house, particularly in the warmer weather.

He said: "Many of us leave doors and windows open at this time of year.

"People should be aware they shouldn't leave doors open, especially if they are in the garden, and they should remain alert and use their common sense."