HOUSEHOLDERS in East Lancashire have been warned not to be taken in by a couple asking for money in connection with the changeover of gas supplies.

The man and woman are known to have visited a number of houses in the Brunshaw area of Burnley, asking for deposits, and they may try again in other parts of the district.

The clear message is: "Don't hand over any money."

Det Sgt Graham Briggs said: "These people claimed to be from Manweb and to be collecting deposits for the changeover of the supply from British Gas.

"No company involved in the changes following the deregulation of the gas supply service requires any money to be handed over by people calling at the door.

"Everything is done administratively after anyone switching the service signs up."

DS Briggs added: "The other message is not to open the door unless you are absolutely sure about the callers and not to let anyone in unless you are certain about their ID. If not don't let them in."

Police have received a number of complaints about the bogus callers. So far there have been no reported cases of money being handed over.

But police fear that some people, especially the elderly, may have been confused and persuaded to part with their money.

The woman involved was wearing some kind of bogus ID card bearing the word Manweb but with no photograph on it.

She is described as six feet tall, mid twenties, slim with medium brown long hair tied in a pony tail. She was wearing a black threequarter length jacket and trousers.

Her companion in his mid to late 30s, is 5ft 9ins tall, stocky with short brown hair. he was wearing what residents described as a worker's uniform.

Anyone with information about the couple is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282-425001. By DAVID AYRTON

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.