A man has stolen items from an old age pensioner after posing as a gas engineer.

On Thursday July 9, the man was let into a house in the St Mary's area of Clitheroe after telling the elderly resident he was from the gas board and was there to check the boiler.

After the 'gas man' left, the resident discovered items had been taken from the property and contacted British Gas.

Unfortunately, British Gas confirmed they hadn't sent anyone to the house that day.

PCSO Mick Kearns-Turner said: "A distraction burglary took place on July 9 when a male entered a house in the St Mary's area of Clitheroe after stating to the elderly resident he was from the gas board and was there to check the boiler.

"After the male left, the resident found that items had been taken and they contacted British Gas who confirmed they hadn't sent anyone to the address.

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or know anyone who may have CCTV footage of someone of concern, please email 7234@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.

"We are appealing to anyone with elderly relatives to remind them to not let anyone in their houses and always ask for ID.

"If they won't show ID the residents should close the door and ring us on 101."