AN elderly couple have been left traumatised after burglars, pretending to be police, tricked their way into their home near Bromham.

The couple aged in their 80s were asleep when the gang struck on Friday at about 2.30pm. One knocked on the door pretending to be a policeman and was followed by two others.

Cash and personal items were stolen.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone with any information relating to a burglary at the home of an elderly couple in Westbrook on Friday, August 21.

"Between approximately 2.30pm and 3.00pm the couple, who are aged in their 80s, were woken from their sleep in the living room to a man in their home claiming to be a policeman.

"Two more men came into the house and during which time a sum of cash and some other personal items."

The first man who entered the property is described as being aged between 25 and 35 years old and was wearing all black clothing and black gloves.

Det Con Cerys Powell said: “This is an incredibly brash intrusion into the property in an attempt to prey on an elderly couple.

“The couple were asleep at the time and were woken to confusion by the men’s claims to be from the police.

“Understandably, this was an incredibly frightening experience for the couple who should feel safe and secure in their own home. Instead, the actions of these men have left them feeling scared and vulnerable. This is completely unacceptable and we are doing all we can to support them.

“We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and we are carrying out a thorough investigation to identify those involved.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would like to speak to anyone who may have been driving along the Westbrook Road between Melksham and Bromham at the time of the incident and may have seen a vehicle or people acting suspiciously in or around Westbrook."

Call 101 and quote crime reference 54200083758.