THIEVES duped a 92-year-old woman into thinking they were from the Salvation Army before stealing her purse.

A woman accompanied by a teenage boy came to the back door of the woman's house in Blackburn Road in the Birch Hall area of Darwen and told her they were from the Salvation Army with a Christmas box for her.

The woman let the pair into the house. The two made various excuses while looking through each room of the house, making the woman confused.

After the two had left, it was discovered the occupant's purse containing money and cards had been stolen.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID urged anyone who saw a woman and teenage boy acting suspiciously at about 3.45pm yesterday to contact police.

"This is a despicable offence," he said. "The timing of the offence makes it even worse. There may have been less than £50 in her purse but that is a lot of money to her. She is extremely upset.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious in that area please do not hesitate to get in touch with us," he added.

Police have issued descriptions of the two wanted for the offence. The woman is 40 to 45 years old with untidy, shoulder-length dark hair. She was wearing a dark coloured anorak and spoke with a local accent.

The boy is aged 11 to 13. He was also wearing an anorak but the elderly lady was unsure of the colour.

If anyone has any information about the theft contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.