A HEARTLESS criminal took advantage of a vulnerable woman when he knocked on her door pretending to offer gutter cleaning services.

Thames Valley Police has now issued a CCTV image of the man they want to trace after the attempted distraction burglary in the village of Kidmore End.

The man pictured moved the camera away from himself before knocking on the front door of the vulnerable resident.

ALSO READ: Students win battle against estate agency over bedroom

He then entered her home and spoke with her before his devious actions were disturbed by the woman's son, who was upstairs.

The criminal pretended he was there to clean the gutters.

The force is now appealing for the public's help to identify the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 43200425194. 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.