CONMEN who stole an elderly couple's savings have been labelled scum and killers by a Coroner who heard that the 74-year-old husband collapsed and died after the theft.

Retired engineer Frank Bible, aged 74, suffered a heart attack in front of his wife Edna after realising the men had stolen money from a bedroom wardrobe after they tricked their way into their home.

Bolton Coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded a verdict of unlawful killing and said: "I regard them as nothing less than scum.

"I am confident Frank would not have died when he did had it not been for what took place."

Mrs Bible told the inquest how her husband collapsed after the conmen left.

She said: "Frank sat down in a chair and said he did not feel well. He took two deep breaths and was gone."

Paramedics battled to save him, but he died later at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Police have never caught the conmen and today detectives vowed to continue to hunt for them.

Claiming to be water board officials, the men walked into the back garden of the couple's home in Mill Street, Bromley Cross at 12.15pm on Wednesday, May 8.

Mr and Mrs Bible were watching television in their lounge.

Mrs Bible told the Coroner: "I saw the men at the back door and we got up to have a look."

Both men said they had come to lay pipes in the garden.

Mrs Bible said: "Frank said 'No way. Get out'".

"I think Frank had an idea they were conning us," Mrs Bible added.

"They said they needed to come inside to turn off the water but Frank said 'No'. He was very upset."

Both men then barged into the couple's home. "Frank was shouting at them to get out," Mrs Bible added.

"He was changing colours getting very worked up.

"I told them that he was not so good and they said they could see it, but did nothing about it."

One of the men then went upstairs and stole a substantial amount of money before escaping.

The couple had been saving their pension money to buy a car, the inquest was told.

Mrs Bible added: "Frank then sat down in a chair and said he did not feel well. He took two deep breaths and was gone."

Paramedics battled to save him but he died later at the Royal Bolton Hospital, the inquest heard.

Fighting back tears, Mrs Bible described Frank as "a wonderful husband." She added: "I think what they did caused his death. He was a good man."

Home Office pathologist Dr Naomi Carter said Mr Bible had a history of heart disease. The inquest heard he suffered a heart attack aged 49 then a stroke six weeks later.

Dr Carter added: "I do not think he would have died when he did had it not been for the stress of this incident. There is a direct link between the two."

The inquest was told both conmen spoke with Irish accents and were aged in their 20s.

Det Sgt Brian Langrish, of Astley Bridge Police, said an investigation was continuing. He added: "Criminals prey on the elderly because they think they are easier to confuse. It is a tragic case. We hate this sort of Crime.

"People should remain alert and never open their doors or let anyone into their homes without identification. They should phone the police if they feel threatened."

Mrs Leeming added: "The men had been warned Frank was ill and saw it for themselves. They had the risk of harm pointed out to them.

"If anyone has any knowledge about their identity they should contact the police."

And following the inquest Bolton's Age Concern chiefs issued a stark warning to pensioners as winter approaches.

"This case illustrates the worst possible outcome to this type of burglary," chief officer Gareth Evans said. "It emphasises the need for us all to keep a friendly eye on elderly residents as the dark nights draw in."

Anyone with information should contactpolice at Astley Bridge on 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.