A MAN has been arrested by detectives hunting a conman who duped Bolton homeowners out of their savings by posing as a fireman.

The smooth-talking thief visited homes throughout Bolton, Salford and Manchester claiming to be a fireman who could obtain "fire-damaged" electrical goods and furnishings.

A senior detective said the phoney fireman - dressed in a fire brigade-style blue shirt and heavy dark jacket - gained the confidence of homeowners and over a period of time persuaded them to part with their cash.

He struck in Bolton only last week and over the last 12 months is believed to have obtained many thousands of pounds. No fire-damaged electrical goods were ever handed over.

A man arrested earlier today in connection with the inquiry was still helping detectives with their inquiries this afternoon.

Police want to speak to anyone who believes they may have been visited by the man. Contact Eccles CID, tel: 0161 856 5351.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.