A 77-YEAR-OLD woman was threatened by two bogus officials who conned their way into her home, posing as gasmen.

The pensioner was at her house in Blackburn Road, Edgworth, when two men knocked at the door.

They claimed they were from a gas company and persuaded the woman to let them in.

As soon as they entered the hallway, they turned on the victim and made threats of violence towards her.

They demanded cash and stole the keys to a red Ford Ka which was parked on the driveway outside the house and drove off at speed towards Bolton.

The robbery happened on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 3.

Two white men, in their 40s, wearing dark bomber style jackets and dark trousers, were seen in the area a short time prior to the incident.

At noon on the day of the robbery, a bright green estate car was also seen parked on Blackburn Road.

A white male aged about forty with grey hair was seen with the vehicle and he was seen looking at houses in the same area.

DC Chris Shaw, from Darwen CID, said: "This is a particularly distasteful crime given the threats of violence towards a vulnerable resident and intrusion into her home.

"No one was physically injured during the robbery but the lady was terribly shaken by the incident.

"This is an isolated incident but residents are encouraged to remain vigilant of any suspicious or unusual vehicles or persons seen around the rural districts.

Anyone who saw the stolen vehicle being driven away, or have any information about the offence or the offenders and the green vehicle should contact the Police."

PC Alan Hurst, the Community Beat Manager for Edgworth, said: "This is not a common occurrence in these parts but I would encourage all residents to ask for identification when dealing with unexpected callers to the home.

If in doubt, do not let them in and contact the Police."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact DC Shaw at Darwen CID or the Community Beat Manger PC Hurst at Darwen Police Station on telephone number 01254 51212.