THREE people who could be of Chinese origin are being hunted after conning their way into the home of a Ribble Valley pensioner and stealing her handbag.

Two women and a teenage boy were described as "of Oriental appearance" by an 89-year-old woman who had £50 cash in the handbag taken from her home in Whalley Road, Hurst Green.

The incident happened at around 4pm on Saturday when the trio walked into the house through an unlocked front door.

One of the women surprised the occupant by giving her a hug and saying she was collecting for the Red Cross.

Another woman sat on the sofa while the youth entered the house

Another local resident witness reported seeing a woman in her 40s wearing a white shell suit and a male, aged 15 or 16 with short, dark hair and wearing a dark jumper in the area.

Another resident on the same street said a woman wearing a mustard jacket with blond, tied back hair has called at their home, also claiming to be collecting for the Red Cross.

A car was also seen parked in a car park on Whalley Road at around the time of the incident, but no description has been given.

Insp Bob Ford from Clitheroe police said: "We are very keen to speak to anyone in the Hurst Green area who may also have been approached by these people to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact Clitheroe police on 01200 443344.