A BLIND man was targeted by a 'heartless' burglar who talked his way into his home and stole nearly £200 in cash.

John Riddle, 49, who lives alone in Lane End, answered a knock at his door to a man who knew his name and was asking to be given £5.

The Simmons Way resident repeatedly refused to give him any money before the man asked if he could come inside to shelter from the rain.

Mr Riddle, who has been completely blind for two years, said: “I made the mistake of saying yes, but when he kept asking for money inside I refused again....I had no idea who he was.

“He stood in the doorway and then started talking about my comic collection. When I again refused to give him money he left without saying anything.”

“Afterwards I checked on this cash box I have and it was gone. I was shocked, but I'm more angry than anything that he could be so heartless as to pick on a disabled person.”

The incident happened at about 7.15pm on Thursday, October 27.

PC Claire Molyneaux, investigating, said: “The offender told the man that he was called either Paul Merton or Paul Martin and he had a dog with him which we believe could have been a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

“I appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area to contact me.

“Distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, I would urge you to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact PC Claire Molyneaux at High Wycombe police station on 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.