A PAIR of crooks took a four-year-old boy with them when they targeted the home of a 90-year-old woman.

After talking their way into her home in sheltered housing in Oxford Place, Burnley, they stole a blue purse containing £4 cash.

Police are appealing for help in tracing the thieves and a reward may be available.

The incident happened between 5.30-6pm on Wednesday last week

Det Sgt Steve Mounsey said: "It is despicable to target the elderly and vulnerable like this and even more so when they take a young child with them."

When the victim answered a knock on her door the female thief went in followed by a man and the boy.

While one kept her talking in the kitchen the other stole her purse.

The woman is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall with light brown, straight hair. She was wearing a brown coat.

The man is also white, 30-35 years, clean shaven, with brown cropped hair.

Contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.