POLICE have warned householders not to admit strangers after a 78 year-old pensioner had her purse stolen by two con-men who got into her home.

The men pretended to be gardening contractors when they called at Witton Parade, Blackburn, earlier this week.

Police said the woman let them in because they were smartly dressed. Once inside they distracted her and stole a black leather purse containing cash and a credit card.

Police said they thought the men had knocked on the doors of other homes in the area.

One was described as having short dark hair, stocky and wearing a dark coloured suit. The other was said to be of a medium build, and wearing dark trousers and a dark track suit top.

DC Martin Kennedy, of Blackburn CID, said: "We would advise homeowners to be extremely vigilant and to ask for identification.

"If you are not satisfied, don't let them in. You can also call us to check the identification.

"From our enquiries it is obvious these men had been around a number of houses in the street.

"We would ask any other people who were approached to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact DC Kennedy on 01254 353568.