SICK thieves raided the home of a vulnerable 91-year-old pensioner and took £5,000 she had saved to pay for her own funeral.

And today the devastated victim said: "I blame myself".

The thieves' antics have sickened police and community leaders and detectives have launched an appeal to catch the culprits who struck at the woman's home in Yates Fold, near Grimshaw Park, Blackburn.

Charity groups also condemned the thieves and warned pensioners to do more to protect themselves.

Police said one of the conman called her home and claimed to be working on the water pipes.

He said he needed her help in switching on the taps in the kitchen and bathroom.

While she did this for him, the conman, probably with the help of another man, searched her home.

Eventually, they found a tin containing £5,000 police said she had put aside for her funeral. After discovering the cash, the first conman made his excuses and left.

Detective Constable Dan Perkins said: "It was a despicable crime.

"She is housebound and living on her own and is very vulnerable. She had saved up for her own funeral and has been left pretty upset about it.

These were her life-savings the majority for her funeral but the rest for other services and presents. They've taken the lot."

And he revealed the devastated OAP, who was unable to describe the conman, is blaming herself.

"She is beating herself up and saying it is her fault. We would like to hear from anyone with information about this incident to come forward.

"I am looking for anyone who has seen a male at the rear of Yates Fold on Saturday morning."

Det Con Perkins, of Blackburn CID, also issued advice to pensioners in a bid to prevent further incidents.

He said: "You should ask for identification. If you are still not sure you should ask them to put a business card through the letterbox and phone the company to check."

The advice was reiterated by a spokesman for charity Help The Aged who warned: "We are extremely concerned that a 91-year-old woman was targeted by bogus callers. Although older people are the group least at risk of crime, older people are particularly targeted by this type of offence and incidents like this can raise levels of fear. We urge older people to follow the simple Lock, Stock, Chain, Check' doorstep safety advice."

The victim's local councillor, Coun Zamir Khan said: "These people are heartless and we don't want these sort of people in our vicinity in the world for that matter. This woman has saved her pennies for her funeral and to target someone who cannot defend themselves is pathetic."

Detailed advice is available on website www.helptheaged.org.uk or by calling Help The Aged on 02072781114.

Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.