Three houses were targeted in the Runcorn area on Wednesday evening by a man posing as a water official.

The first house targeted was on Boston Avenue, the second address was on Havergall Street while the third was on Oakell Street.

On all three occasions a man knocked on the door claiming he was from the water board.

He then claimed he needed to check the plumbing system within the house.

Once inside, he then asked the occupiers to check their water meter. Once alone, he took cash and bank cards before leaving.

The offender is described as white, aged in his early 30s, with dark hair and about 5ft 9ins tall.