POLICE have released artist impressions of a man and a woman who posed as police officers in Swindon.

They called at an address in Crawford Close, Freshbrook, about 4.45pm on March 1.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "They managed to enter the premises on the pretext of checking security.

"A brief discussion took place and the man then went to the kitchen with the woman resident while his woman accomplice remained in the living room.

"They both then left a short while after. The resident later discovered a black purse was missing, containing £140 cash and a ring."

The callers were not police officers. Bone fide officers carry an official warrant card bearing the force crest, their photograph, rank and shoulder number.

The man is described as 6ft, with an average build, aged about 30 years of age, with short dark hair. He was wearing black trousers, a black suit jacket, pale blue shirt, black waistcoat, blue/silver tie, black shoes.

The woman was 24 to 25 years of age, with blonde shoulder length hair. She was wearing a brown pinstripe skirt suit, white blouse, three-inch high black shoes and carrying a black leather bag.

To help police call Swindon CID on 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.