A BOGUS water board official escaped with £300 from a Bury pensioner after he tricked his way into the man's home.

The thief struck shortly before 5pm on Thursday (March 22) in Threshfield Close. He distracted the 84-year-old, searched the house and stole the money from the lounge.

Police say that the man was white, in his late 30s, 5ft 10in tall and muscular. He was wearing a three-quarter length jacket with a bright green stripe on the right sleeve.

Anyone who saw the man should contact Bury CID on 856 8150.

A Whitefield woman, aged 78, was also targeted by a thief at 3pm on Thursday.

The pensioner allowed a man into her home in Phillips Place after claiming he needed water for his car. Once inside the thief grabbed a handbag containing around £50 and fled.

He was white, about 19 years old, 5ft 9in tall and of medium build with short brown hair.

Anyone with information should call 856 8248.