A thief posing as a fishmonger stole £200 from a pensioner's purse.

Police in Barnoldswick received a number of reports concerning a man harassing vulnerable people within the community.

On Monday, officers were alerted to an incident in which a man, who is described as white and of a tall, stocky build, has entered an elderly woman's house without permission and harassed her to buy fish from him before demanding cash and then taking it from her purse.

On Monday evening, a spokesperson for the police said: "Earlier today, a white male described as tall and of stocky build entered an elderly woman’s property in Barnoldswick without permission, and has harassed her to buy fish from him.

"He has then demanded £200, and when she has declined, has taken money from her purse and left the property."

On Tuesday, acting on information received from the public, officers tracked a van to the Trawden area and arrested three men on suspicion of burglary. 

The spokesperson added: "A vehicle was located in Trawden and three males arrested on suspicion of burglary.

"The vehicle was seized for S.165 as the correct level of business insurance was not being used.

"The men are currently being dealt with in custody.

"We ask the public to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may otherwise not see this message.

"If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us online or on 101.

"Remember, if a crime is happening now and there is a threat to life, it’s 999."