A gang of distraction burglars have struck again - this time forcing their way into a 93-year-old man's home.

Between 3pm and 5pm yesterday, three men rang the bell persistently at a property in Oxford Road, Littlemore. When the elderlyresident answered the door, they told him they had come to fix a leak.

He told them he did not have a problem but they became insistent and eventually pushed past him causing him to stumble.

Two went into the kitchen and turned on the taps and told the man they needed to stay on for two minutes. When he demanded they leave, they refused and physically forced him to sit down.

After some time they left; it is uncertain if anything was stolen.

The three men were all described as white, in their late 30s, and around 5ft 10ins and of a large build.

This incident is being linked to a spate of similar burglaries last month.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, at least 17 distraction burglaries have taken place in the county in the past four weeks - although police believe other incidents may have gone unreported.

They include thefts from homes in Witney, Chipping Norton, Yarnton and Woodstock.

Pc Alex Gill, distraction burglary officer for Oxford, said: "This burglary was similar to the previous incidents in the way these men forced their way into the property and physically intimidated this very elderly, infirm resident.

"It was totally unnecessary for them to treat him in this aggressive manner. He posed no threat to them and they have left him extremely shaken, confused and nervous.

"It's vital we catch this callous and cowardly gang who are targeting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"If anyone has any information about this incident it is vital they contact us. But we also want to hear from anyone who may have experienced suspicious callers to their home, especially in the Littlemore and Rose Hill area.

Pc Gill can be contacted through the police inquiry centre on 0845 8505505.If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.