Police investigate distraction burglary in east Belfast

DETECTIVES are investigating after an 85-year-old woman was targeted in a distraction burglary.

The woman answered a knock at the front door of her home in Ballybeen, Dundonald, east Belfast shortly before 11 am on Friday.

A man claiming to be from the Water Board told her there had been an explosion further up the street.

He said he needed to check her water to see if debris had got into the water supply which would have been dangerous.

The woman brought the man to her kitchen where he told her he needed to turn off the stop cock.

He told her to go outside and watch the kitchen drain for debris, which she did.

After a few minutes she returned to her kitchen where she disturbed the man who was joined by another man, who were both going through her cupboards.

It is believed the men escaped empty-handed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who noticed any unusual activity in the area is asked to contact detectives on 0845 600 8000.