Police have praised the bravery of an elderly man who slammed the door on two would-be burglars.

The 81-year-old man questioned two men when they knocked on his door asking if they could check his water system in order to prevent flooding.

After asking a suited caller for identification, the young man said his car was sufficient ID, before being joined by another man on Hulverstone Close, Sutton, on Friday (July 6).

The callers protested a property had been flooded nearby and his water pressure needed to be checked. But the elderly man refused to let them in.

PC Duncan Harris, of Sutton's Crime Prevention Team, said the victim had followed police advice not to allow in anyone they don't know or are not expecting.

He said: "If in doubt, keep them out, remains our advice. Clearly, these two shameful characters were trying to gain entry to see what they could steal.

"But because of the awareness of this elderly potential victim, they failed to carry out this most despicable of offences."

If you have any information about this incident which happened about 11am, contact Sutton Police station on 101 quoting reference no: 4006753.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111