Detectives from Hackney have released images of gold jewellery worth £5,000 stolen during a burglary in the hope of reuniting them with their 81-year-old owner.

A man claiming to be from the water board said he was investigating a leak and needed to enter the man’s home in Brooke Road, Upper Clapton on Monday January 18.

Once inside, he distracted the victim and two accomplices came in and stole distinctive Asian necklaces, earrings and pendants.

Images released by police show a long metal chain with a religious pendant, a gold necklace, three gold rings engraved with victim’s initials and a pair of chandelier-style earrings.

The suspect is described as a white man with an Irish accent, aged between 40 and 45 years old, 5ft 8ins tall, of large build with brown hair, who was wearing a black jacket.

DI Martin Sloan, from Hackney Borough’s serious acquisitive crime unit, said: “I would like to remind residents, especially the elderly, to always ask for identification before letting people into their homes.

“Treat every stranger with caution. If you are worried, dial 999 immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hackney CID on 020 7275 3114 or via 101, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.