A SHAMELESS thief pretended to be a workman to gain entry to a vulnerable pensioner's home where he attacked and robbed him.

Police are hunting for the thug who targeted his 87-year-old victim in Hamilton on Monday afternoon.

The force said between the hours of midday and 2.45pm, a man entered a property on Lorne Street and assaulted the pensioner causing him to fall to the ground.

The man also stole several items of jewellery before running off.

The victim was taken to Hairmyres University Hospital and has since been released.

The suspect is white, between 30 to 40 years of age, 5ft 8 inches in height with a medium build. He was clean-shaven and spoke with a local accent.

Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking CCTV footage from in and around the area for any additional information on the suspect.

READ MORE: What happened to the Gruffalo Fox? Mount Vernon community fundraises for popular trail character

Enquiries carried out so far have revealed the man pretended to be a workman when he was confronted by the householder.

Detective Constable Paul Mooney said: “An elderly man has been assaulted within his home and has had items of great sentimental value stolen from him.

"I am appealing to local residents within the area to think back and consider if they noticed anyone or anything suspicious between midday and 2:45 pm on Monday.

"This man may have attempted to gain entry to other properties. I would ask anyone with any information to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Cambuslang Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 1871 of Monday, 16 March, 2020.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.