ELDERLY women in Bolton and Bury were targeted by two bogus officials posing as electricians.

The conmen tricked their way into the homes of four pensioners in their 80s on Monday.

Police are linking the burglaries and are warning residents to be extra vigilant when answering their doors.

Two men called at the home of an 84-year-old woman in Hawarden Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton, at about 1pm.

They claimed they were carrying out electrical work in the area and needed to check the electrics in her house.

One of the men distracted her while the other stole a quantity of cash before they escaped in a red car.

Half an hour later, two men knocked at the door of an 82-year-old woman in Lonsdale Street, Bury, claiming to be electricians.

Once inside, one man went upstairs and the other stayed with the woman in the kitchen.

They left a short while later via the back door after the woman's husband asked them what they were doing.

At 1.45pm, a similar incident was reported by an 81-year-old woman from Oakenbottom Road, Breightmet, Bolton.

She had a small amount of cash stolen from her house by two men who said they were electricians.

Twenty-five minutes later, an 80-year-old woman called the police after two men called at her home in Whalley Road, Bury, saying they were electricians and stole money.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "It is highly likely that these burglaries are linked.

"These men are targeting the homes of elderly people and are working very quickly in order to cause confusion.

"We don't want elderly residents to be frightened by callers at the door, but we would encourage everyone to be a little more cautious about who they let into their home. If anyone calls at your home, always ask them for identification and do not let them into your home unless they can prove who they are. A genuine caller will not be offended and will be happy to show their identification."

The men were white, one was stocky and the other was slim.

The stockier man was in his late 20s or early 30s, 5ft 8ins and wore a black top and distinctive trousers which had either loops or tassles on them.

The second man was slightly taller with black short hair and he wore a dark coat and black trousers.