LOUGHTON police are urging the public to be vigilant after two men posing as council officials gained entry to a house in Appleton Road, Loughton.

The victim reported the incident to police on Friday, after discovering an amount of cash was missing from the house.

The victim said two men knocked on the door on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 3, claiming they were from the council.

The men were allowed in, and the victim discovered the missing money some days later.

Sergeant Richard Phillibrown said: "Again, we would say to the public do not open your doors to let anyone into the house until you have checked their identity.

"Ask them for identification, and then call to check it is genuine. If in doubt do not let the person in."