A DISTRAUGHT 88-year-old woman has been left in a state of shock after thieves sneaked into her house and stole the £5,000 life savings which she had hidden in her bedroom.

The theft, by three men posing as electricity workers, has prompted police to renew their appeal for elderly people not to hoard cash in their homes.

The haul, made up of £20 and £10 notes as well as £1,000 in coins, was hidden in a woollen bag close to the woman's bed.

The thieves struck at 3.30pm on Wednesday, despite being told by neighbours to leave the street in the Audley area of Blackburn where the incident took place.

The thieves, who may be responsible for similar thefts in the Blackburn area, were in the house for less than two minutes and left few clues, despite the fact that police were on the scene within 15 minutes. Det Insp Terry Richardson, of Blackburn CID, said: "It is a fact that many elderly people have been brought up to keep money in their homes for a rainy day.

"But this case highlights the need for them to realise that it is not a safe thing to do. It is a terrible fact but, unfortunately, they are easy targets for criminals who prey on them because they are elderly.

"We have made this plea time and time again and I would urge anyone who has elderly relatives who they suspect are hoarding large amounts of money to convince them that it is much better off in a bank or building society."

The three men called at the woman's home and at first said they were there to repair her gas supply. When she said she did not have gas they convinced her they were from the electricity board.

While two of the men pretended to check electrical appliances the third stole the money, which was in a green and yellow knitted shoulder bag.

The thieves left the house saying they were going to fetch some tools.

Police have not revealed the woman's exact address to protect her from further attempted thefts.

Two of the men were in their 20s, one had short, blond hair and the other had short, dark hair and a goatee beard.

Their accomplice was in his 30s, with a heavy build. All three were casually dressed and wearing light-coloured shirts.

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