A callous distraction burglar preyed on a mother in Potters Bar yesterday, making off with a gold wedding ring.

The woman, in her 40s, was struggling to get through the door of her home, in The Walk, with a pram at around 1pm when a man offered to help her.

She accepted his offer and once inside the house, he asked if he could use her toilet and went upstairs.

Half-an-hour later the mother heard the toilet flush and the man left.

But shortly afterwards the victim discovered he had stolen jewellery including a gold wedding ring and a silver engagement ring.

PC Scott Curran, the investigating officer, said: "We are treating this incident very seriously and are appealing for witnesses who may have information, or who saw a man in the area acting suspiciously at the time, to come forward.

"We would also ask people to get in touch if they are offered jewellery for sale by someone."

The suspect is described as white, of medium build and around 5ft 8inches tall.

He had short brown hair, an Irish accent and was wearing a brown jacket.

Anyone with information can call Hertfordshire Constabulary on 0845 33 00 222 citing crime reference number J3/09/145 or Criimestoppers on 0800 555 111.