TWO conmen targeted the homes of nine pensioners during a seven-hour crime spree.

One of the crooks' elderly victims was a frail 90-year-old.

The men, posing as Water Board officials, struck in Farnworth, Kearsley and Westhoughton between 2pm and 9pm on Saturday They fled with more than £1,000.

Homes in Catherine Street, Farnworth, Roosevelt Road, Kearsley and Chorley Road Westhougton, were targeted. Handbags or cash were taken from seven of the homes.

In each case the men knocked on the door of an elderly resident and said they were from the Water Board - which in fact no longer exists. They told the occupant a water pipe had been damaged or had burst and that they needed to get inside to turn off the water.

While the victims were distracted with the first man, a second looked for valuables in the houses.

Detective Chief Inspector George Fawcett said: "These men have targeted the most frail and vulnerable members of the community.

"The offenders took cash and handbags in seven of the incidents and left with nothing in two of the cases.

"I would like to remind residents that they should always ask officials to produce ID cards before allowing them into their house. Genuine officials should be only too happy to oblige.

"If you are approached by someone purporting to be from the Water Board, who is unable to produce an identity card, please contact the police. We are taking these incidents very seriously and are doing everything possible to track down those responsible."

The victims were aged between 70 and 90 years old.

The first offender was white, slim, aged between 20 and 30, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall and had dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

The other was white and may be in his 40s. He was of medium build and wore dark clothing. The men are said to have Scottish and Irish accents and are of scruffy appearance.

Police believe the incidents could be linked to a string of similar crimes across Wigan last Thursday and Friday.

Det Chief Insp Fawcett said: "We would ask younger members of the community to look out for their elderly neighbours and contact us if they notice anything suspicious and if possible take a note of the registration of a vehicle if they get into it. Anybody who is suspicious should call 999 immediately."

Anyone with information should ring 0161 856 5740.