A 93-year-old woman was tricked by sneak thieves claiming to have lost a cat, police warned today.

Detectives are hunting two men who targeted Katie Lyons at her home in Haslingden.

She opened her door to one trickster who claimed to be searching for his lost cat. Police said he kept her talking at the door while an accomplice got into her house through the back door and searched her home before making off with a wallet containing around £30 in cash.

Detectives investigating the incident today appealed for witnesses.

Det Con Ian Glass, of Rossendale CID, said: "The incident happened during daylight on a main road close to the traffic lights in Blackburn Road and near to the park.

"It's an unusual tactic to say they have lost a cat so we want to alert people to that. The elderly lady was left in shock and shaken by the incident and has been left feeling nervous.

He added: "We appeal to anybody who may have seen these two men in the area before or after the incident to get in contact with us with any information they may have."

He asks anyone finding the discarded wallet to hand it in to police.

The incident happened on Sunday at around 3pm. The men are described as both being in their 20s. One was wearing a blue shirt and the other a white shirt.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 425001 or in confidence by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.