POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after bogus carers stole from a seriously ill man and his wife.

The couple, both 73, who have not been named, were at their house in Brown Birks Road, Huncoat, at about 4.40pm on Tuesday when the three bogus officials called.

After entering the house, while the husband lay sleeping downstairs, the bogus carers distracted the wife and stole a brown leather purse containing cash, keys and a new £5 coin, minted for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The thieves fled when three genuine carers turned up at the house for a pre-arranged appointment.

Det Sgt Jim Elston, of Accrington CID, said: "This was a shameful offence and we are eager to talk to anybody who can give us the identity of these people or who has received visits from bogus officials."

The bogus callers were described as a white male, 16-17 years, 5ft 7in, pale complexion, short, dark hair, wearing a pale blue sweat shirt; a white female, 5ft 6in, blond hair in a pony tail with a distinctive scar on her face, wearing a light coloured jacket; and a white female, 20 years, 5ft 6in, with dark shoulder length hair.

Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 353742 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.