AN elderly couple were robbed after a bogus labourer barged into their house.

The man, in his 20s, struck at Claremont Road, Accrington, just after 10am on Friday.

When the woman answered the door, police said, he pushed past her and headed straight upstairs where her husband was still in bed.

The thief said he had drilled through copper piping and asked the couple, both in ill health, where the stop tap was located and asked them to check a tap and radiators for dirt and vibrations.

However, the man, and an accomplice who was spotted in the living room, fled towards Ribblesdale Avenue with around £60 in cash after the couple became suspicious.

The police said the labourer was of average height, medium to stocky build, clean shaven with short brown hair and had an Irish accent.

He was dressed smartly, wearing a pale blue long-sleeved checked shirt, dark trousers and pale gloves, similar to surgical gloves, with a pink pattern imprint.

His accomplice was of a similar build and was smartly dressed.

Anyone with information about the pair seen in a gold or beige car, possibly a Jaguar should call Det Con Sue Blackledge on 01254 353044.