A TERRIFIED 77-year-old has had her life savings stolen in what police described as an aggressive and sinister robbery.

The pensioner, of Templeton Close, in Darwen, had hundreds of pounds stolen after answering her door to a man and woman who offered a tree cutting service.

Sergeant Sally Riley, of Blackburn CID, said the pair then became aggressive and threatened the woman with physical violence after calling at her house between 3.30pm and 3.45pm on Friday.

As she tried to leave her home they forced her to sit back down on her settee, blocked her escape route and stole the money.

Sergeant Riley said: "Extensive inquiries are being carried out by the police and we would urge anyone who has been subjected to a similar attack or anyone who witnessed this particular incident or who knows these people to come forward immediately.

"Unfortunately this type of crime is not uncommon where people talk their way into old people's premises and demand cash.

"This woman was left very distressed by the incident which was frightening for her and quite sinister, because of her age.

"People are reminded not to allow strangers inside their premises and to vigorously check ID. We would also strongly advise people to bank their cash to prevent a repeat of this sort of crime."

The man was described as white, 5ft 8ins, slim, in his early 30s with dark brown cropped, wavy hair and large brown eyes. He had an olive complexion and was clean shaven.

The woman with him was white, of a similar height, slim, in her late 20s or early 30s, with shoulder-length blonde hair and wore dark clothing.

Inspector Graham Ashcroft added: "This is a particularly nasty offence and my worry is that they will do this again.

"Somebody will know who these people are, whether that be a witness to the offence or an associate of these people, and we want them to contact us."

Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353567.