Two bogus police officers have forced their way into a house in Woodford Green and snatched a Rolex from the wrist of an elderly homeowner.

The men knocked on the front door of the home in Manor Road, Chigwell, posing as police officers.

When asked for their IDs by the homeowner, who is in her 60s, the pair barged their way through the chain-locked door and stole the Rolex from her wrist.

They then ran out of the house.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Becky Young said: “We’re releasing an image of a replica Rolex in a bid to ensure people are aware of any which are or have been recently sold in unusual circumstances.

“This attack was carried out in broad daylight and near to a busy main road so we’re confident that someone saw these two men running off on the stretch between Grange Hill Tube station and the Shell garage.”

The men police are looking for are described as being in their 20s and approximately 5ft 7ins tall, with one further described as being of mixed heritage, but with light skin, of slim build, with a shaved head and bulging eyes.

At the time, he was wearing blue jeans and a dark, military-style woollen coat.

The man’s accomplice is described as white, of medium build and was wearing a tracksuit, trainers and a beanie hat.

The incident happened at just after 9.30am on Friday, March 2.

Anyone with information in connection with the incident is urged to contact detectives on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.