Police are linking two distraction burglaries at Tor Rise in Matlock which happened at around 5.15pm on Friday.

An elderly woman had her purse stolen while she was in her front garden. Thieves sneaked into her house and made off with the purse which contained cash, a couple of credit cards and a bus pass.

Police are trying to trace a small purple car, possibly a Vauxhall Corsa, with blacked-out windows and alloy wheels which was seen around the time of the burglary.

At about the same time a man knocked on the door of another elderly woman in the street, posing as a water board worker, and asked if he could check the pipes.

He then went into the kitchen and bathroom and looked at the pipes before leaving. Although it does not seem anything was taken police have confirmed he was not from the water board.

He was described as white, in his late 20s, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build, with dark hair and wearing a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He spoke with an Irish accent.

A police spokesperson said: "We always warn people never to let strangers in to their homes at all. Anyone from the utilities should make an appointment beforehand but if ever in any doubt at all ask for an ID card and phone their place of work to check who they are. A reputable person would not mind you double checking at all.

"Older people tend to be more trusting and more likely to let people in without double checking."

Police are appealing for witnesses to both crimes. Anyone with information should call 0845 123 33 33.