POLICE have warned pensioners to be on their guard after a pair of bogus officials talked their way into an elderly woman's home.

The pair pretended to be council workmen to get into the house in Tennyson Road, Colne.

Although the 71-year-old lady believes nothing was stolen, police have discovered that the men were not council employees and are concerned they may strike again.

The pair, who were described as in their 30s, knocked on the front door of the house around 3pm on Tuesday and said they were from the council.

DC Dean Holden said: "They said they were measuring up windows and doors but had no identification card or uniform. They did have a clip board containing a door and window brochure.

"They made measurements around the house and one went upstairs while the other stayed downstairs. We checked with the council and there is no such work going on. We knocked on doors up and down the road but no one else had such callers so it appears they targeted her because she is elderly."

The first man was described as 5ft 6in and stocky, with a circle of hair, and he was wearing a multi-coloured jumper and a money pouch around his waist. The second was around 5ft 8in and of medium build.

DC Holden said: "About a month ago we had a lot of distraction burglaries, but that was two males described as younger. If anyone has had a similar visit in the area we'd like them to get in touch because it is potentially quite a serious offence as they have quite clearly targeted her."

Two similar incidents occurred two days earlier in Barrowford. One elderly occupant let in a woman who was asking about the medical health of the pensioner. In the second incident, a woman pretended to be from social services.

Police on that occasion warned elderly people to ask for identification before letting anyone into their house.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents can contact Colne CID on 01282 472441.