FRAUDSTERS have been accused of “stealing from the dying” after carrying out a scam posing as charity collectors.

Bosses at Reedley-based Pendleside Hospice complained to police following reports that two men claiming to be from the charity have been knocking on doors and collecting donations.

Their actions have been slammed by fund-raisers while the hospice has hit out at their “outrageous” behaviour.

Two MPs labelled the incident as a “scam” leaving the community “unsettled and outraged” and police pledged to increase patrols.

A series of incidents have been reported to police in the Colne Road area of Burnley when two men have been approaching householders and asking for cash donations.

The hospice, which cares for people suffering from cancer and life-threatening illnesses, does not carry out door-to-door collections.

It is feared the bogus callers could have targeted hundreds of properties.

Hospice fund-raising manager Kaye Bartle has urged householders not to donate any money to anyone who ‘door knocks’ claiming to be from Pendleside Hospice.

She said: “The hospice relies on support from the community to enable us to provide much needed care. We are very grateful for all the support which the local community provides towards care and we are making people aware of this disgraceful behaviour.

“We never go from door to door asking for money and would urge people who wish to donate to Pendleside, to do it through established means such as our hospice shops or to contact the hospice.”

Local landlord Ken Hargreaves, recently held a charity event in aid of Pendleside Hospice at his pub, The Woodman Inn, in Todmorden Road.

He said: ”We held a snooker event here and raised some money for the hospice. They are stealing from people who are dying — people who need the money the most.

“The woman who came to collect the funds was official wearing an official ID badge so we obviously trusted her. I feel sorry for the elderly and more vulnerable people who can’t get out may have donated money to these con artists.

“Some people assume they are giving towards a good cause, when really they are just being robbed.”

Kitty Ussher, Burnley MP, says she hopes the police will ‘act accordingly’ and catch the pair.

She said: “It is outrageous. These people have preyed upon those who genuinely want to donate to charity and hopefully the police will catch them.”

Gordon Prentice, Pendle MP, added: “I think it is a disgrace that people are conning the charity and pocketing the money themselves. It really is utterly disgraceful.”

The hospice has to raise in excess of £1.6 million towards running costs of £2.4 million, each year from donations and fundraising.

Insp Paul Lee confirmed that officers are investigating the complaints.

He said increased officer patrols will now take place in the area.

The two are thought to be aged around 16 years old and were smartly dressed.