POLICE are appealing for information after thieves stole an elderly man’s life savings.

The theft happened at 10am on Tuesday, April 29th when three offenders called at the address of the 79 year old victim in Hyndburn Street, Accrington and told him his roof needed to be repaired and gutters cleaned at a cost of £300.

The victim reluctantly agreed to a price of £300 and the offenders started to clean the guttering.

Minutes later the offenders then told the victim that the price would be more than £300 as further work needed to be carried out.

The victim went to his bedroom to remove the money from his safe when he was called downstairs by one of the offenders and taken outside to show the victim what further work they planned on carrying out.

When the victim was outside with one offender one of the others went upstairs and found the safe still open with the victims life savings of around £8000 and stole it.

All offenders then left immediately saying they would come back after lunch but failed to return at all.

PC Andy Ronga said: “This is an absolutely despicable crime carried out against an elderly and vulnerable man who has had his life savings stolen. He has been taken advantage of in an appalling way. It truly beggars belief the levels that some people will stop to and I would appeal for anyone who knows who these offenders are or who has any information to get in touch with the police.”

The offenders are described as:

1) a white male, 42-43 years old, 5ft8, medium build, bald head with mousey coloured hair on the sides, a couple of days growth of hair on his face, scouse accent, wearing all black clothing trousers and jacket, white writing on the back saying "roofing specialists". He was carrying a filofax.

2) a white male, 35 years old, 6ft tall, gangly skinny build, loads of hair which was swept and tassled dark ginger with thick sideburns, a few days growth on his face and who spoke with a northern accent. He was wearing all black clothing trousers and jacket with white writing on the back which said "roofing specialists".

3) A white male, aged about 35, 5ft8, slim build, dark coloured top and dark coloured baseball cap.

The vehicle looks like a White Vauxhall Combi Van with distinctive white wing mirrors (they are ordinarily black). A witness has described the words "rd roofing" is displayed on the van. From the images you can clearly see "layout roofing" on the side of the vehicle.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0413 of Tuesday, April 29th or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.