FIRE chiefs have warned pensioners to watch out for bogus officials after conmen posing as firefighters targeted elderly residents.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service bosses have branded the ruse as "cynical and wicked" after a series of incidents across East Lancashire.

Spokesman John Taylor said an elderly woman in Oswaldtwistle yesterday became the latest victim of an attempted distraction-style burglary following a recent spate in Rossendale.

He said: "A man turned up at the woman's home saying he was from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service but he apparently seemed quite vague.

"Alerted by this the woman closed the door and contacted us.

"She did well there to turn back this man.

"But we're concerned that following an outbreak of similar incidents in Rossendale it's now moving around."

He said the con worked by the men approaching people and saying they were carrying out fire safety checks and fitting smoke detectors in the area. Once they have gained the resident's confidence the bogus firemen try and get into their homes.

Mr Taylor said the police had been contacted about the incident.

But he was worried that the thieves were damaging community relations.

He said: "We're deeply concerned by this. We offer fire safety checks on people's homes, and it's despicable as clearly we work in fire prevention and that relies on us having the trust of people to go into their homes and fit smoke alarms.

"It's cynical and wicked to think that they're latching onto that practice in order to exploit people. The idea that some thieves will impersonate firefighters may have the knock-on effect that some people won't allow genuine firefighters to do their business."

And he urged people to take as many precautions as possible before letting strangers into their homes, whoever they claim to be.

"If it's a legitimate visit by a firefighter then they will have identification.

"I would ask people to demand ID before letting anyone into their home, and if they still have doubts contact us," he said.

Police have asked anyone with information about the matter to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442.