POLICE have issued an alert after two elderly pensioners were tricked then burgled by doorstep conmen in Heaton.

A man claiming to be from Bolton Council knocked at the door of an 81-year-old woman at Thaxted Place, and told her he wanted to check the plumbing.

She let him inside where the man, who carried a clipboard, touched pipes and radiators in three upstairs rooms. The woman gave him £30 but asked him to leave when he asked for more.

The conman is described as white, aged in his early 40s, 5ft 7ins tall, stocky with a round face and brown ruffled hair. He was wearing a black coat and dark trousers.

Two hours later, in Bowen Street, an 82-year-old woman answered her door to a man who told her he was in the area buying jewellery.

She took him upstairs and showed him a ring which he offered to buy for £2. She refused, but after he left, she discovered a £30 ring was missing. He is described as white, aged between 40 and 45 with brown, shoulder-length hair and a brown sports jacket.

Police say they cannot rule out the possibility that both burglaries are linked and officers are again urging residents to remain vigilant and never answer doors to anyone they are unsure of.

Witnesses are asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.