POLICE chiefs are warning the town's elderly to be on their guard against conmen.

The advice comes after two men escaped with what is described as a "substantial" amount of cash after rifling through the purse of a 76-year-old woman.

The theft occurred when the two men conned their way into the woman's home in Longfield Road, Fernhill Gate, Bolton.

Once inside they searched all the rooms. After they had left the woman discovered the cash had been stolen.

A police spokesman said: "If people have any doubts whatsoever they should ask to see some identification.

"If callers are reluctant to show any ID or refuse, then the police should be contacted immediately.

"The trouble with what we know as 'bogus burglars' is that they move from area to area very quickly." The suspects are both described as white men. One was aged 30, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, with mousy brown hair and clean shaven. He wore a short white mac. His accomplice was 27 to 28, 5ft 5ins to 5ft 6ins tall and of a slim build. He was balding with mousy shaven hair, an earring in his left ear and was clean shaven. He spoke with a Liverpool accent and wore blue jeans and a blue, yellow and white striped T-shirt.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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