AN elderly couple from Clitheroe defrauded out of thousands of pounds by a man posing to be a police officer.

On October 28 , the man and woman, in their eighties and nineties, were called by a man, acting as a police officer from Scotland Yard, purporting he was investigating the conduct of staff from a bank.

The caller told the woman that there had been a fraud attempt on her account and told her to withdraw almost £40,000.

When trying to take out such a large amount of cash, her bank became suspicious and notified the police. No money was handed over.

However the following day, the woman received further calls from a man, again pretending to be a police officer.

He convinced the woman that she should withdraw £8,000 and meet with someone acting as a courier on 30th October 2020 on Wesleyan Row, Clitheroe.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "We would like to speak to anybody who was in or around the area of Trinity Methodist Church off Parson Lane on Wesleyan Row at around 4:30pm on Friday 30th October 2020.

"If you were there and/ or have any dash cam footage or CCTV, please also get in touch.

"The offender is described as being in his mid-twenties, with dark hair, complexion and clothing.

"Anyone with information is asked to call or text DC Heather Kerr on 07967 823720 or if they fail to get an answer, 101, quoting investigation number 04/171131/20. You can also email 4173@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.

"Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org."