DETECTIVES today renewed an appeal for residents to be extra-vigilant after a bogus caller stole from a 78-year-old pensioner.

Police issued the warning as they revealed they were hunting a man who acted as a winter fuel payments collector before forcing his way into the victim's home.

The man knocked on the door of the house in Pilling Street, Haslingden, between 2.10pm and 2.30pm on Thursday.

He showed the pensioner a false ID card and said he had come to check whether she had paid her winter payments.

PS Mick Harrison said: "The man took some details at the door for a couple of minutes before he said his pen wasn't working. He asked her to get another pen from inside before following her into her home.

"The man grabbed her purse from the side of the chair and her house keys before making off.

"We would be keen to speak to any witnesses or anybody who may have seen the man hanging around the area. I would urge all elderly residents in the are to act with caution and if they are not certain about callers authenticity then they can call us."

The man is described as being in his 30s, wearing a dark blue jacket with red lining, light coloured base ball cap, he is described as having very sharp facial features, about 5ft 10ins in height, with stubble and generally of a scruffy appearance.

A witness also noticed a red saloon car with a round logo in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

Anybody with any information about the incident should contact police on 01282 425001 or alternatively ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.