POLICE are hunting for a man who duped a Fylde pensioner into inviting him into her home by claiming to be a good samaritan.

The 86-year-old female was approached by the offender as she made her way back from a shopping trip to her home on Kirkham Avenue, Freckleton, at around 3.15pm on Saturday, September 4.

He claimed that her home had been burgled and offered to walk her home to check that everything was okay before the police arrived to speak to her.

After being invited into the house he then suggested the victim check her valuables in an upstairs room.

When she returned he had left alerting a neighbour who contacted the police after becoming suspicious.

It was later discovered that £270 in cash had been stolen from a handbag which had been left in the kitchen.

A Blackpool police spokesman said: "This incident is quite concerning as the offender doesn't seem to be an opportunist who merely struck at random.

"We think he may have specifically targeted the victim because of her age and perhaps watched her for some time before making his move.

"It's important for people, especially the elderly, to be aware of any unknown people hanging around the place where they live, either on foot or in cars.

"In this case the offender did not claim to be a police officer or have police authority but the elderly lady, in her distressed state, assumed he was acting in her best interests.

"We would warn anybody who is approached under similar circumstances to always stop and question the information given to you by a stranger. A genuine good samaritan will understand your reaction."

The offender was described as a white male, in his early 20s, around 5ft 6ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing jeans.

Anybody with any information about this or a similar incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Blackpool Police on 01253 293933 quoting crime reference AL3979.