A MANHUNT has been launched after a would-be thief tricked his way into a 97-year-old woman’s home and searched it for valuables.

Police said the man confused the pensioner by claiming he was one of her friends called John and had come to check on her welfare and to make her a drink.

After being allowed inside the house in Blackthorn Lane, Bacup, he sat in the woman’s living room before searching for valuables to steal.

He then ransacked her bedroom, looking in drawers and wardrobes, officers said.

According to detectives, the man only left the house when the woman stood up to him and told him that her carers were on their way.

Det Con Ryan Waddington, of Bacup CID, said the incident happened between 11.30am and 11.45am last Saturday (2).

He said: “This is a shocking crime against a vulnerable member of our community who has understandably been left badly shaken.

“Although nothing was stolen during this offence we are taking this incident very seriously and would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward and contact police.”

The man is described as white, of a medium build with a round face and short auburn hair.

A witness has reported seeing two men leaving the house and described the first man as being a slim build and aged around 30.

He was clean shaven with dark hair, a roundish face and was wearing a dark-coloured fleece jacket.

The second man is also white, of medium height and build and was wearing a brown jacket.

Anyone with any information should call Bacup CID on 01282 472121 and quote crime reference FJ1001370.