A CONMAN tricked a 70-year-old man out of his pension money -- and police believe he may strike again.

Police produced an e-fit of their suspect after the pensioner recalled the incident at his home in Crosby Road, Longshaw, Blackburn.

Police Sergeant Mark Vaughton, of Blackburn's anti burglary team, said: "We would like anyone who recognises him to contact us immediately."

The conman was working with another man, who was not seen by the victim, during the incident at 4.30pm on January 13.

Police house-to-house inquiries revealed that the duo called at one other house in the area around the same time. The man, carrying an A4 folder, called at the man's home pretending to be a gardener. He said he was preparing a quote for some work on an adjoining area and needed access to his garden to finish the job.

Sgt Vaughton said: "He showed him the holder which had pictures of gardens. This convinced the man to let him into his kitchen.

"He spoke to the man for about five minutes, during which time another man has sneaked in and stole £70 and his pension book from a jacket. The man became suspicious after a while and asked the man to leave.

"We want other residents to be aware of this and to always ask for identification. If they have any doubt about someone's identity, they can should call the police."

The victim described the conman as 5ft 9in tall, of proportionate build, aged 30 to 40, with an Irish accent and wearing a green jumper, grey trousers and brown shoes.

Anyone with information should call the burglary team on 01254 353647 or the office mobile on 07951060313.