A 10-YEAR-OLD boy was conned into handing over £15 to a couple who pretended they needed some change.

Jack Williams, of Moorfield Grove, Tonge Moor, was running an errand for a neighbour when he was taken down a side street and targeted by the pair.

His father Roger Williams, aged 35, has hit out at the couple who have turned his 'happy go-lucky' son into recluse.

Mr Williams said: "These people are the lowest of the low. How could they con a small boy?

"He hasnt been able to sleep since it happened. He doesnt want to go out and play with his friends.

"Jack was just doing an errand for a neighbour and he has been left extremely traumatised. His trust in people has been broken.

"He is normally an out-going, happy, chatty boy. We always say he has an older head on his shoulders but he has been greatly affected by what has happened.

"I can't believe anyone would do something like this for the sake of £15."

Jack had been to a local Chinese takeaway in Tonge Moor for a neighbour at around 6.30pm on Saturday and paid for the food with a £20 note.

As he was walking back home, a man and woman asked him if he had any change. He said he only had a £10 and a £5 note and showed the couple the money. They said a friend who lived nearby would be able to change it and without thinking, Jack started following the pair. Seconds later, they snatched the money from his hand and ran off.

The devastated youngster went into a local bookies to tell them what happened and staff contacted his parents.

Sgt Martin Bell from the Robbery Unit at Bolton said: "This couple deliberately targeted an innocent young boy who didnt think twice about offering to help them."

The couple were both white and in their 20s. The man spoke with an Irish accent.

Call the Robbery Unit on 0161 856 5609 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.