POLICE are hunting a "baby-faced' burglar who sneaked into a sheltered accommodation flat.

The raider stole a cash card from the flat of an 85-year-old Clitheroe woman after banging on the front door of the housing complex and walking into her ground floor flat when she went to investigate.

Police have warned residents of sheltered accommodation to be wary of leaving their flat doors open when they go to answer the front door of a complex.

The burglar struck at Bowland Court, Lowergate, between 5.45pm and 6pm on Thursday.

After knocking on the front door he waited for a resident to come before sneaking into her flat and making off with an Abbey National debit card.

He was then spotted by another elderly resident who tried to restrain him, but he wriggled free and ran off.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Clitheroe police, said: "It is quite an unusual tactic. I would urge people in sheltered accommodation to be wary of leaving their internal doors open when answering the front door."

The burglar is described as in his 30s, with close cropped dark hair, a stubbly chin and a baby face. He was wearing a short blue anorak with red on the sleeves and dark jeans.

Anyone who saw somebody acting suspiciously near Bowland Court is asked to phone Clitheroe police on 01200 443344.