A CONMAN who attempted to trick two Bolton pensioners out of their lifesavings is being hunted by detectives.

He posed as an official and managed to get into two homes, then tried to trick the pensioners into handing over cash.

The man -- who targeted the two in Halliwell -- was unsuccessful but police believe he will strike again.

They have urged the elderly to be more vigilant and not allow anyone into their homes until they have checked their identity cards.

The man called at a house on Vernon Street and told the 75-year-old woman she would have to pay £360 to have a carbon monoxide check carried out.

She said she was not interested but he managed to get in minutes later through an insecure front door.

The woman caught him trying to steal items and he ran off.

Minutes later, in Westworth Close, a man of a similar description called at the house of an 87-year-old woman.

He claimed he was from the gas board and told her he would need £1,000 to fix a radiator.

He managed to go into the house and started searching through the kitchen.

When she refused to hand over any money he left. Although the description of the man differs slightly from both women, police believe it is likely it is the same person as he struck at the first address at 11.25am on Wednesday, and just five minutes later at the nearby address.

He is white, in his 40s, scruffy appearance and was wearing blue jeans and a blue top, or a blue suit.

Sgt Jim Winwood, of Astley Bridge police station, said: "Elderly people should be very cautious and not let anyone into their house unless they have an identity card with a photograph.

"People who have elderly neighbours could also look out for them. If they see someone suspicious, go over and ask them what they are doing.

"If they are unhappy with what is happening, call the police."

Anyone with information cancall 0161 872 5050, or Crimestoppers on the free phone number 0800 555 111. A CONMAN who attempted to trick two Bolton pensioners out of their lifesavings is being hunted by detectives.

He posed as an official and managed to get into two homes, then tried to trick the pensioners into handing over cash.

The man -- who targeted the two in Halliwell -- was unsuccessful but police believe he will strike again.

They have urged the elderly to be more vigilant and not allow anyone into their homes until they have checked their identity cards.

The man called at a house on Vernon Street and told the 75-year-old woman she would have to pay £360 to have a carbon monoxide check carried out.

She said she was not interested but he managed to get in minutes later through an insecure front door.

The woman caught him trying to steal items and he ran off.

Minutes later, in Westworth Close, a man of a similar description called at the house of an 87-year-old woman.

He claimed he was from the gas board and told her he would need £1,000 to fix a radiator.

He managed to go into the house and started searching through the kitchen.

When she refused to hand over any money he left. Although the description of the man differs slightly from both women, police believe it is likely it is the same person as he struck at the first address at 11.25am on Wednesday, and just five minutes later at the nearby address.

He is white, in his 40s, scruffy appearance and was wearing blue jeans and a blue top, or a blue suit.

Sgt Jim Winwood, of Astley Bridge police station, said: "Elderly people should be very cautious and not let anyone into their house unless they have an identity card with a photograph.

"People who have elderly neighbours could also look out for them. If they see someone suspicious, go over and ask them what they are doing.

"If they are unhappy with what is happening, call the police."

Anyone with information cancall 0161 872 5050, or Crimestoppers on the free phone number 0800 555 111.