DETECTIVES are hunting a ‘bogus workman’ who conned a vulnerable pensioner out of £500.

The 65-year-old was first visited by three men claiming to work for Dyno-Rod at her home in Ernlouen Close, Blackburn.

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Officers said she was persuaded that drain work needed doing on her property on June 17 and the men charged her £500 as a deposit and said they would then return for a remaining £1,500.

They came back two days later asking for money but were chased away by neighbours, police said.

Two men, aged 32 and 21 from Burnley, have since been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and have been bailed until September 15 pending further inquiries.

DC Andrew Brown, of Blackburn CID, has now released an image of a third man he wants to identify.

He said: “This has been a most upsetting incident for the victim, who is especially vulnerable due to her age.

“She has been targeted in such a heartless and cruel way and I would appeal to anyone who recognises the male in the CCTV still, or has any information about this incident, to contact us as soon as possible.”

A neighbour said: “This is a quiet area and this sort of thing does not happen here.

“It has really upset her and she does not answer the door to strangers now.

“Her nearby neighbours have been keeping an eye on her since it happened.

“It’s a terrible thing to have happened and just awful.”

Councillor Konrad Tapp, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I think it’s disgusting that people are going around and targeting vulnerable people.

“It’s the lowest of the low and it’s despicable that some people think that they can do this sort of thing.

“My advice to anyone would be to make sure that people who come round suggesting work are valid and that they do not hand over cash before any work has been completed.

“People should be vigilant against this sort of crime and I hope that the lady is ok.”

Fellow ward councillor Julie Gunn added: “I feel very sad for the lady but it’s good that the neighbours are looking out for her.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.