AN OSWALDTWISTLE pensioner has had £200 stolen from her house by a man claiming to be collecting for charity.

The man knocked on the door of her home in the White Ash Lane area at around 11.20am on Saturday and asked the 65-year-old woman for a donation to charity.

As the victim went into the living room to collect money for him he came into the house uninvited and followed her into the room where she gave him some money from her purse.

The offender then offered to make her a hot drink.

After distracting her he went back into the living room, picked up her purse and took more cash from it.

Police said the victim caught him red handed and he dropped the purse and fled the scene with £200.

The man is described as white, aged 20, 5ft 10ins, well-built, with short, dark brown hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Det Sgt Nigel Watson, from Accrington CID, appealed for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area or who recognises the description to contact police.

He also urged people not to let cold callers' into their homes.

Anyone with information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 353742 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.