NEIGHBOURS of Frank Bible have reacted with shock to his sudden death.

Jenny Higham, aged 23, who lives doors away in Mill Street, said: "I think it's absolutely awful. They obviously took advantage because they were elderly people, they wouldn't have done it to someone younger."

Pensioner Harry Dodgin, aged 78, lives across the road from Mr Bible who was the victim of bogus water board officials.

He said: "I was going to the post office when the police came and sealed off the road, I hadn't a clue what was going on -- it was very worrying.

"These days you've got to be so wary of anyone who comes round. I've already put a catch on my door but this has really made me think."

Police questioned shopkeepers along Darwen Road if they had seen the suspects and took CCTV footage from Harrissons Off Licence at the end of Mill Street.

Owner Navin Patel said: "I can't believe this has happened around here. There are quite a few elderly people, it is all a big shock."

In neighbouring King Street one resident Brian Lomax, aged 43, said he believed bogus officials had also recently targeted elderly people there.

"This is a sign of the times. These people bully the elderly. They are sick and gutless. I am disgusted by this sort of crime, but there is no real deterrent in law."

His neighbour Carol Riley said: "It's dreadful, I really can't take it in. Everybody is so nice and friendly around here, this shows how careful you have to be."

At the Flag Inn on Hardman's Lane, regulars were shocked to hear what had happened.

Bar worker Claire Wylie, aged 19, said: "This is terrible, it shows that you can't get complacent. I can't believe this has happened on our doorstep, con men who target elderly people should be shot."

United Utilities have launched a password scheme to protect the elderly from bogus officials.

The water board say they have brought in the ExtraCare scheme to make life safer for older people and for those living alone with special needs.

Anyone interested in enrolling themselves or members of their family should contact freephone 0800 0567693.