TWO pensioners, who live less than half a mile from each other, were tricked and robbed by the same thief.

In both incidents, which occurred within 15 minutes of each other on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 26), the conman claimed to be a water board official to gain access into the women's homes.

The first burglary happened at 2pm in Seddon Street, Radcliffe, and involved the theft of £8 from the purse belonging to the 80-year-old homeowner.

Within minutes police were alerted to another theft of £25 from the home of a 79-year-old woman in Hollinhurst Road.

In both cases the offender was a white male, in his late 20s or early 30s, 5ft 5ins tall with short dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood of Bury's Operational Police Unit said:

"The victims' houses are relatively close and the burglaries happened within a few minutes of each other."

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248.