A BOGUS official tricked his way into the home of an 84-year-old woman and stole £300.

The thief struck at around 5pm on Monday when he rang the intercom to the woman's flat in Fearnlea Lodge, Kearsley.

He told her he was from the water board and that he had to check her water system.

The pensioner let the con-man in and he asked to have a look in her bathroom.

He took the lid off the toilet and asked the woman to hold the ball-cock.

While she was distracted, he left her and stole her handbag containing £300 in cash and fled.

Police have today issued a fresh warning to the public.

"We cannot stress enough the importance of not letting people into your home who you are not absolutely sure of. Always ask to see ID and ring the organisation they are from to make sure they are the real deal. If in doubt, call the police," a spokesman for Bolton Police said.

The man is described as white,aged 30 to 40, 6ft, slim, with light coloured short hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and top.

Anybody who thinks they recognise this description, or who has any information about this incident, is asked to cal police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.