A 95-YEAR-OLD man was robbed on the doorstep of his Burnley home.

Police say the thief, aged in his mid-20s, knocked on the door of the pensioner’s Mark Street home and claimed he was owed £5 for roofing work.

And when the victim fetched his wallet containing hundreds of pounds the conman snatched it and ran off.

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Burnley community leaders said they were ‘appalled’ by the ‘disgusting’ attack.

Eyewitnesses are being urged to come forward after the incident, which occurred just after 4pm on Friday, March 20.

The thief is white, around 6ft tall, of stocky build, aged around 27.

PC Chris McKee, of Burnley Police, said: “This is a vulnerable, elderly victim targeted at home and we are determined to find the man responsible so I would urge anyone with information about the theft to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Burnley’s Lib Dem candidate, who served as the borough’s MP from 2010 to 2015, said: “It is disgusting that somebody could do this and I hope the police get them and the courts extract the maximum penalty they can.

“The people who do this are a load of cowards to con elderly people.

“It is disgraceful that elderly people should be vulnerable and targeted by thugs in this way.”

Julie Cooper, Burnley’s Labour candidate for the general election, said: “This is absolutely disgusting and shocking.

“Elderly people should be extra careful when speaking to people at the door that they do not know. “ Cllr Arif Khan, who represents the Queensgate ward, said he was disgusted to hear what had happened.

He said: “I strongly condemn this sort of incident, especially when it affects elderly and infirm people.

“When I heard that this had happened in Mark Street, I was really shocked.

“Elderly people deserve respect, but unfortunately there are people who just do not care if their victims are elderly or disabled.

“I hope that the man responsible is caught quickly and that justice is done as soon as possible.”

Cllr Marcus Johnstone, who represents the area on Lancashire County Council, said: “This is a despicable crime and it’s really saddening that this sort of thing goes on.

“As a council we try to raise awareness of these types of crimes and it’s a complete tragedy whenever someone falls victim these people.

“My heart goes out to the chap who has been affected. and I hope that whoever is responsible is brought to justice.

“You just wonder what goes through these people’s minds.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.