PENSIONERS in Accrington are being warned to be on the lookout for a conman posing as a policeman.

Detectives issued the alert after a woman in her 70s was conned out of several hundred pounds by a bogus police officer.

The woman, who lives in Higher Antley Street, let the man into her home after he claimed he was wanted to put a neighbouring house under surveillance from her bedroom.

The man, who was dressed in a black anorak, trousers, shoes and shirt, showed no form of identification but was carrying a mobile phone.

He then asked the woman to hand over her money so he could check for counterfeit notes.

He is described as slim, with mousey hair parted on one side, 5ft 3in with a ruddy complexion.

Det Inspector Jim Oldcorn, of Accrington CID, said: "This was a disturbing incident because there is obviously someone operating in the area.

"Residents should always ask any stranger callers for identification no matter who they claim to be."

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