POLICE are trying to trace two conmen roofers who fooled an 87-year-old woman into paying for work that wasn't done

The fraudsters even drove the pensioner to a cash machine and tricked her into handing over £240.

PC Richard Booth, people oriented policing officer for Chorley, said: "This is a despicable Crime.

"These men preyed on a vulnerable, elderly person and we are very keen to catch them."

The woman, who does not wish to be identified, was alone at home in Fredrick Street when a man knocked on her door.

He told her there was a problem with her roof and offered to fix it.

When the woman went outside, there was a second man on her roof who said he had already solved the problem.

After the victim told them she had no money, the men drove her to a cash machine so she could pay them.

The woman became concerned and phoned her daughter, who contacted police.

PC Booth added: "The officer who attended said he did not believe the work had actually been carried out.

"This is an unusual crime for Chorley and we have not seen anything like it for a long time.

"We hope anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time will come forward."

Police are now checking the bank's CCTV cameras for potential evidence.

Anyone with information about the incident, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, September 8, should call Chorley CID on 01257 269021 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.