HYNDBURN residents are being warned after an elderly woman was targeted by bogus electricity workers last weekend.

The two men stole the 82-year-old woman's handbag at her home address in Maden Street, Church on Saturday, March 5.

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It is believed they cut the property’s telephone phone line and claimed to be workmen there to fix the issue.

They also said they had ID but had left it in their work van.

The elderly woman became suspicious and asked the men to leave but soon noticed her handbag containing a purse, bank card and sentimental wedding photo had been taken.

PC 1772 Stuart Smith said: “This is a truly despicable crime considering the men went to the point of cutting the woman’s phone line to back up their claims.

“She is extremely shaken by the incident and thankfully her phone line has now been repaired.

“If you saw these men in the area at the time or have any information that could assist us with our enquiries, please get in touch.”

The men are described as white and were wearing hi-vis jackets. One had a scarf over his mouth and the other man was slightly older.

Anyone with information can call us on 101 quoting incident 591 of 5 March or alternatively Crimestoppers are available on 0800 555 1111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.