DETECTIVES are hunting for a shameless conman who tricked his way into a Trowbridge OAP complex just across the road from the town's police station.

Trowbridge officers were still in the Polebarn Road station preparing to move to new premises, when the conman duped his way into nearby Raleigh Court and targeted the flat of a 91-year-old resident on Saturday. Swindling his way into the sheltered accommodation block by posing as a resident's grandson, the conman scaled three floors and walked unchallenged into the victim's flat. The victim who was in the bathroom, locked herself in and banged on the door before coming out to face the offender who claimed he was looking for a water leak.

The 91-year-old mother-of-two, who wants to remain anonymous, said she was devastated to find her purse stolen but relieved to escape unharmed.

She said: "I thought I heard a movement and felt that something or somebody was there.

"It was just a shadow going past. I shut the door quickly and knew I could lock myself in. I banged on the door with both hands. He told me he was looking for a leak. I came out of the bathroom and he was straight in front of me. He was waving his hands about but then made for the door immediately.

"He had poor pickings as I don't carry much cash around."

The victim, whose 89-year-old sister lives in the same complex, said she is desperately trying to put the incident behind her.

"This is something I never expected to happen to me. People are not supposed to get into this building," she said.

"I was upset but I have to bounce back and try and forget it.It is unpleasant and it makes you feel so uneasy in your own home. He was very calculated."

The conman struck about 5pm on Saturday by ringing the doorbell and telling unwitting residents he was looking for his grandmother Gladys.

Residents at Raleigh Court have been targeted before when a man posed as a CID officer and tricked his way into the complex.

Manager Derek Pocock said the conman was "plausible and cunning" and promised security measures would be reassessed. He said: "It happened when I was not here which is a bit worrying. It is more worrying considering we are opposite a police station. The main feeling is that this is a wake-up call. We are looking at security and want to make everyone aware of what has happened.

"We can never think it won't happen to us. We now know it can and we must be vigilant."

Detectives are investigating the distraction burglary and hope a description of the suspect released this week will help jog memories. The conman is described as white, mid 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 8ins, average size with short dark hair. He was wearing a navy blue jumper and navy trousers.

Anyone with information should contact Trowbridge police on (01225) 763101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.