POLICE in Great Harwood have warned people to be vigilant after an 87-year-old woman was duped by a conman posing as a police officer.

The woman, from Gloucester Avenue, had just returned home from shopping in Clayton-le-Moors when the incident happened at 12.30pm on Friday .

A few seconds after she got home the front door opened and a man walked in.

He told the pensioner he was a police officer investigating robberies in the area, though he did not show her any identification, and asked her if she had any money in the house.

The woman took him to the bedroom and showed him an envelope containing £200 in cash.

The man then pretended to conduct security checks around the house, and left asking the woman to lock the door behind him,

The woman discovered the envelope empty after he had gone.

He was white, in his 30s, 5ft 1in, of medium build, with short dark hair, and wearing dark clothing.

Sgt Paul Langley, of Great Harwood Police, said the woman had seen the man as she was walking along Whalley Road on her way home.

"I would remind people to lock the doors when they are in the house so nobody can walk in," he said.

"If anyone presents themselves as police officers, water board or electricity officials, ask to see identification before you let them in.

"If you are still not happy with the identification, phone the police."

Anyone who was in the Gloucester Road, Devonshire Road and Lancaster Avenue areas at the time is asked to contact the police on 382141, or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555111.