A NEPHEW has hit out at bogus officials targeting the elderly after his aunt fell victim to thieves.

The 84-year-old, who does not want to be named, had almost £400 in cash stolen from her home in the Montague Street area of Blackburn, on Saturday afternoon.

She let two youths into her home after they said there was a burst water pipe and they had to turn the water off.

After they had gone she realised almost £400 in cash and other property had gone from an upstairs room.

Her nephew said: "I am absolutely disgusted and I want to warn other people so it doesn't happen to them.

"My aunt didn't bother asking for ID as I would have done, but older people are more trusting.

"These people seem to be targeting the elderly and I don't want other people to have to go through this."

Both youths were white, aged 17 or 18-years-old and 5ft7in-5ft8in tall.

One was skinny, with short, brown hair, and a Scottish or Irish accent. He was wearing a light-coloured short-sleeved shirt.

The second was of medium build, with short, light brown hair. He was wearing a brown brick-coloured long-sleeved shirt.

Anybody with information about the incident should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.