THIS is the face of a man suspected of conning a 95-year-old woman out of £900 in a doorstep con.

Police have released an Evofit image of a man in his late 20s who is thought to have struck in Manchester Road, Haslingden.

Officers said the con artist called at the woman’s property and offered to carry out a minor repair to her roof, in exchange for £40.

He claimed he had noticed that the work needed doing and the victim agreed, leading him upstairs to retrieve the agreed fee. But officers said he then asked to use the toilet, and slipped away to steal £900 from the pensioner’s black leather purse.

The pair then went outside and he told her to put the kettle on while he left to make a start on the job. However, he never returned and the victim discovered the theft and reported it to police. PC Graham Phillips, of Rossendale Police, said: “The victim in this case is very conscious with regard to bogus officials but sadly was still duped by this man .

“I would urge people to take a close look at the Evofit and if anybody recognises the man or thinks they have any information that could assist us to make contact.

“I’d remind residents never to agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call. Don’t make snap decisions and don’t be pressurised into having the job done. Any suspicious activity should be reported to police immediately.”

The theft happened at around 9am on Tuesday, November 26.

The man is said to be aged 27 to 30, of medium build and clean-shaven. He was wearing a black jacket and a black woolly hat and spoke with a local accent.

Witnesses 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.