A LOWTON pensioner is appealing to people in Leigh to watch out for a 'lookalike' conman who robbed him of £30 in cash.

Gabriel Stellard, 70, of Maple Avenue, was shopping in Bradshawgate, Leigh, at about noon on Saturday when he was approached by a man of about 30 who asked for his help.

The man, described as about five foot six inches tall, wearing a dark blue shell suit and looking "a dead ringer for Coronation Street's 'Martin Platt' with a moustache" said he had a cheque for £975 in his possession but was unable to cash it until Monday because the banks were shut but needed money urgently.

He handed Mr. Stellard a carrier bag which he claimed contained his passport and personal details which he offered as security if Mr. Stellard would lend him some money until Monday.

His performance was so convincing that Mr. Stellard fell for the ruse and withdrew £30 from a cash machine. The conman then snatched the money and ran away in the direction of Leigh Market.

The carrier bag contained only holiday brochures!

Mr. Stellard said: " I was a fool to fall for a stupid trick like this but the man was very convincing, and I hope other people in the area will not be taken in by this man."

Chief Insp Steve Westcott of Leigh Police said: "This was a despicable trick to pull on a senior citizen and this man obviously picked his target carefully. I would like to warn other people, of whatever age but particularly the elderly, not to be convinced by appeals to their better nature and to report such approaches to the police.

"I will be pursuing inquiries into this incident and will be speaking to Mr. Stellard."

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