ELDERLY householders are being asked to be on their guard against bogus salesman selling house alarms at inflated prices.

A man claiming to be a salesman took nearly £300 for three small alarms from an elderly householder in West View, Clitheroe, this week.

And a spokesman for Age Concern said she had heard of similar cases elsewhere in East Lancashire.

Clitheroe police are advising elderly residents not to buy on the doorstep, or invite salesman into their homes.

And Local Age Concern spokesman Vicky Shepherd said: "Anyone from a reputable company visiting elderly people in their homes always carries ID and I urge any elderly householder not to let people into their home unless they are expecting them.

"If they are not sure, they should contact the company concerned, to check if they are bona fide. No genuine organisation would not mind that. If in doubt refuse entry."

A spokesman for Clitheroe police said the matter was under investigation.