An elderly woman was sexually assaulted in her home by a man claiming to be carrying out a survey.

The 81-year-old had answered the door at her home in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, at 7.35pm on Monday when the man tried to force his way inside.

When the woman stopped him from gaining access, he sexually assaulted her and may have also exposed himself.

Police described the man as "Asian" in appearance, aged in his late teens or 20s, around 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in and of a medium build. He had dark hair which was swept to the side.

A man of a similar description is believed to have tried to force entry to the house of another elderly woman in Bearsden about half an hour earlier.

He was acting aggressively and also said he was carrying out a survey in the area.

Police said the man had also visited this house on Saturday evening, when he was turned away.

Officers have increased patrols in the town since the incidents were reported and are urging residents to be vigilant.

Inspector Ewan Henderson said: "As a result of these incidents we have increased high-visibility uniformed patrols in the area to help reassure local people.

"We believe the same man was present at the time of all three incidents and I would urge householders to be cautious if someone they are not expecting comes to their door."

A team of uniform and detective officers is carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the man responsible.

Door-to-door enquiries and a review of CCTV footage are being carried out.

Anyone with information on the incidents, or who recognises the description of the man, is asked to call police on 101.