PARENTS have been warned to be on their guard after a bogus social worker conned her way into a home where four young children live.

The woman, calling herself Kay Taylor, turned up unannounced at a house in Norris Street, Darwen, claiming she was investigating reports that the children were being mistreated.

David Shears, 24, who lives at the house with his girlfriend Maria Lynn, 28, said: "She knew my girlfriend's name and said she was investigating claims that the children were being badly treated and not being fed.

"She searched the house, looking in cupboards and drawers - she could have been up to anything."

David, who was out at the time, added: "The woman was so convincing that Maria did not ask for identification. "I'd just like to warn people that there are people like this going around."

Fortunately, the children Hayley Lynn, 11, Kelly Lynn, nine, Donna Shears, five and Sarragh Shears, two, were also out of the house when the woman called.

The woman is aged 20 to 30, 5 ft 7 ins tall, with short, dark brown or black hair.

She drove off in a red F-reg Nissan Micra.

Darwen police say they are investigating the case and a spokesman for Lancashire Social Services confirmed that they did not have a social worker called Kay Taylor.

"This is a serious matter and one we are concerned about," he said.

"All Lancashire County Council employees carry identification and we would ask anyone visited by a social worker to ask to see their ID."

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