A COUPLE posing as officials have been targeting the elderly in a "disturbing" string of house burglaries.

The police are linking the attacks in Altham, Accrington and Earby, all carried out by a man and a woman posing as either factory officials or council workers.

One of the victims was an 88-year-old man, who had £20 in cash and a grey leather wallet snatched by the pair in Altham on Friday at 1.45 in the afternoon.

Sergeant Mark Rothwell, of Accrington CID said the pensioner was asleep in the living room when he was wakened by a man who had entered the house.

The intruder, described as white, aged 30, 6ft, wearing brown clothing and speaking in an unusual accent, said he was the owner of a local factory and wanted to talk to the pensioner about replacing a garden fence.

He was joined by a woman, described as aged 20 to 30, 5ft 2in, wearing blue clothing and speaking with an accent which was "difficult to understand."

The woman talked to the pensioner as her partner disappeared into the house and when the pair left the victim discovered the cash and wallet were missing.

On the same day, a 76-year-old woman discovered her handbag containing a pension book, black scarf and electricity cards had been stolen after a man and woman visited her house on Gordon Avenue, Accrington.

Also at the weekend, a pensioner from Earby had cash and possessions stolen in what Pennine police believe was a similar attack.

Mr Rothwell said: "We are looking into the possibility that these three crimes are linked and would like to hear from anyone who knows the identity of this pair, or has been visited by them. All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence. He added: "We are particularly disturbed that the thieves have targeted elderly and vulnerable people."

Anyone who can help the police can call 01254 353741.