A BOGUS worker stole £500 after conning his way into the home of an elderly Oswaldtwistle woman, after telling her her home was about to flood as result of heavy rain.

The man told the 80-year-old he was calling at her home in St Paul's Court in an official capacity to warn her of possible flooding.

Police say the woman became suspicious, and after the man walked into her home she went to a neighbour in the elderly housing complex for help.

When she returned the man was still there, but he left shortly afterwards. She then discovered £500 in cash missing from her home.

The man was white, 6ft and aged about 30. He was of slim build with a clean shaven, fair complexion and had a sharp-featured face and short mousy hair. He was also thought to have been wearing an anorak.

A spokesperson for Accrington CID: "The elderly lady became suspicious and quite rightly went for help, but we would urge people to be extra vigilant when strangers call at their homes."

"They should have door chains fitted and always asked for identification before letting strangers into their homes."