POLICE are asking for help from the public to trace a thief who stole a purse belonging to a partially sighted 84-year-old.

The woman was at home in Broadway, Helmshore, at 2.10pm on Friday when the crook called to say he had come about loose slates.

Once inside he asked for a carrier bag to take away a slate and while her attention was distracted stole a black leather purse with silver markings on the front containing £55 cash and a card for the partially-sighted.

The thief is described as in his late 20s, round faced with short, brown, straight hair.

He spoke with a possibly Manchester accent.

He was wearing a short sleeved shirt with a badge on the right breast.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442 or tell Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.