A 101-year-old was assaulted in his own home and robbed of £400 by a man who befriended him at a church service.
The victim met his attacker at morning mass at Blackfriars Priory in St Giles, Oxford city centre, yesterday morning.
The robber walked with the pensioner to his home in Summertown, saying he wanted to look at his roof.
They both went inside where the elderly man was assaulted and robbed.
Police described the offender as white, aged about 35 and 5ft tall.
He was wearing black trousers and a jacket.
Det Con Robin Barratt, investigating the incident, said: “The offender has targeted this elderly man at mass with the intention of stealing his property.
“I appeal to anyone who attended mass at Blackfriars Priory yesterday morning at 11.15am and saw a man talking to the elderly victim to contact police immediately.
“The victim sustained minor injuries to his face.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0845 8505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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