POLICE are warning elderly people to be on their guard after an "angel" faced teenager conned his way into homes in Blackburn and escaped with cash.

The youth, aged between 12 and 14 years, got into the homes of a 91-year-old woman in Redlam and a 78-year-old woman on Cornelian Street on the pretext of looking for his kitten which he thought had run inside. He then suggested that the kitten may have run upstairs but claimed his mum would not let him go upstairs in other people's homes.

Detective Sergeant Paul Murphy of Blackburn CID said that on both occasions the elderly ladies had been taken in by the boy's story and gone to look for his kitten.

While they were upstairs he escaped with a handbag and £155 cash from Cornelian Street and a purse containing £50 cash from the house on Redlam.

"We are anxious to speak to anyone who may have been approached by this youth who normally starts by claiming he has kicked his football into the back yard," said DS Murphy.

"Both victims were elderly and it seems they were specifically targeted. Our advice to elderly people is never to allow anyone into your home unless they have proper identification on them. If there is any doubt, check out their credentials before letting them in. Genuine callers will understand and be prepared to wait."

A youth is currently helping police with their inquiries. People with information can contact police on 01254 51212.