JONATHAN REDHEAD A 62-year-old man was sprayed in the face with CS gas in an attempted distraction burglary in Lowestoft.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

A 62-year-old man was sprayed in the face with CS gas in an attempted distraction burglary in Lowestoft.

The victim was taken to the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, for treatment after the incident at about 3.30pm in Gorleston Road on Thursday.

The man had returned to his home and saw two men in his elderly neighbour's garden.

When he asked them what they were doing, they became confrontational and sprayed the man with CS spray before running off.

Officers said yesterday that inquiries revealed the two men told the elderly neighbour there was a burst water main and they needed to get into his house and turn the water off.

One of the offenders got into the house, but officers believe nothing was taken before the neighbour disturbed the men.

The first offender is described as white, of medium build, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 7in tall and wearing dirty jeans and a pale blue shirt.

The second man is described as white, of slim build, about 5ft 10in tall and wearing dark trousers and a dark blue long-sleeved shirt.

Both men had Irish accents.

Suffolk police are warning elderly people to be vigilant after three other distraction burglaries across the county on Thursday in Ipswich and Woodbridge.

People are advised to think about security and keep windows and doors closed where possible despite the hot weather.

Officers are also reminding people not to let anyone into their homes without seeing photographic identification and being sure they are genuine.

> Anyone with information about the incident in Lowestoft is asked to call Det Con Rob Brotherson at Lowestoft CID on 01986 835133 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.