A CONMAN who led a 92-year-old war veteran to a bank in an attempt to steal his life savings had his plan foiled by quick-thinking cashiers.

Detectives have issued CCTV footage of the man they believe took the ‘confused’ pensioner to the bank in a taxi, after knocking on his door and offering his services.

The man, who lives alone in Samlesbury, answered the door to the bogus tradesman who said he could replace the property’s ancient wiring.

After quoting him £3,200 for the work, the trickster called a taxi to take the man, who suffers from short-term memory loss, to the Yorkshire Bank, in Orchard Street, Preston, where his savings are held.

DS John Crichton, of Preston CID, said: “This man very rarely goes to the bank for himself. His daughter usually does his banking for him.

“Because of his confused state and his memory, the staff became suspicious as the man who was with him was trying to prompt him.”

The conman, who was carrying a pad and a mobile phone, appeared to become nervous when he was spoken to by suspicious bank staff.

He asked to use the toilet and was told the nearest public facility was in the market and left.

Police said the man failed to return, leaving the frail pensioner alone in the city centre.

Family members are now looking through the man’s bank accounts to try to establish if this is the first time he has been targeted by conmen, police said.

DS Crichton said: “The elderly man was quite confused and obviously vulnerable.

“The bank staff rang the police believing that he had been coerced, or conned, into handing over his money.

“I appeal to anyone who recognises the man in this picture to come forward and contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.