POLICE are appealing for help from Rossendale residents after an 81-year-old man was conned out of £300 by a man possibly linked to two other crimes.

The pensioner, of West Street, Waterfoot, answered the door between 1pm and 3pm on Friday to a man described as dark-skinned Asian or possibly Afro-Caribbean with wavy hair.

At that stage the offender said he was carrying out a crime survey and produced what appeared to be an identification card but once inside the house he overheard a phone conversation the pensioner was having about a road accident. Det Sgt Stuart Barlow said: "He then switched his story and said he was from the third party insurers of the person involved in the accident and it he gave him £300 he would put the matter to rest.

"The man gave him the money and the offender said he was having trouble using his mobile phone and so went outside and was never seen again."

The offender is described as 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins, slim to medium build with curly hair. The description matches a man who was seen at The Mount in Stacksteads at 1pm on Friday. DS Barlow said: "A 19-year-old woman had a knock at the door from a person pretending to be a window salesman.

"He entered the house and then said he needed the toilet and while upstairs he kicked open a bedroom door. Words were exchanged and he left."

The man who entered the house was white, mid to late 30s, 6ft, unshaven, broad shoulders, stocky build, wearing a dark grey long coat and dark trousers. He left the scene in a silver grey G-registered BMW three series.

The same Asian or Afro-Caribbean man was seen in the area. Police believe the incidents could also be linked with an attempted bag snatch in Facit earlier this month when a 73-year-old woman was approached by a dark-skinned man who failed to get away with her shopping bag as she clung on to it. DS Barlow said: "I am appealing for people in Rossendale to be aware of this man and not to be taken in by his stories.

"If someone comes to your door fitting this description and you are not sure about his identity contact the police. Do not let them in and do not give them any money." Anyone with information can contact ID on 01706 237442.