AN elderly woman is said to be 'absolutely distraught' after thieves stole some of her most treasured property.

The burial confirmation certificate of the 76-year-old's late husband was among items taken from her flat in Bowling Green Close, Darwen.

A man called at the door of her flat and started to talk about drainage. He then asked the woman to look out of the back window while an accomplice sneaked in and stole several items.

As well as the certificate, which according to Darwen Funeral Services details which plot and in which religious section of the cemetery a body is buried, items of religious jewellery and a black purse containing £60 were taken.

The woman, who does not want to be identified, said the man who came to her door is white, slim, 5ft 10ins tall and aged 40 to 50. He had short, straight, mousy brown hair and was wearing grey 'Serge' trousers, a fawn-coloured jacket and had a fluorescent yellow item folded underneath. He was also carrying a notebook.

The man spoke with an Irish accent and had what are described as 'decaying' teeth.

Police said the man also kept referring to the woman as 'pet'.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID said: "Any offence like this is despicable, to prey on elderly members of the community who live on their own is really low.

"Obviously, there is a reasonable description of the man who came to the door and from the sounds of it he will be fairly recognisable.

"I appeal to anyone who saw a man matching this description in the vicinity to come forward.

"Also, there may be other victims who have fallen victim to a similar man and may not have reported it. My advice to all elderly people is to make sure they ask for identification when someone comes to the door, even if they produce a card take it off them and have a good close look at it. All members of the utilities carry identification cards and are not reluctant to show. If you are still suspicious contact the police."

Anyone with information about this crime should contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777.