A NINE-YEAR-OLD tearaway is being hunted by police after he conned his way into a pensioner's home and stole cash and property.

The schoolboy crook and a 12-year-old accomplice searched their victim's house in Cornelian Street, Brownhill, Blackburn, after talking their way in.

Detectives say they are shocked at the age of the thieves, who struck at around noon on Friday.

Detective Inspector Tony Harling, head of Blackburn CID, said: "It is sad to see children so young getting involved in this type of crime.

"I dread to think what sort of crimes they will get involved in when they become teenagers.

"Obviously we want to catch these two boys as soon as possible and we are keen to hear from anyone who might have seen these two boys acting suspiciously."

Police have interviewed the 69-year-old victim and are appealing for anyone who saw the two youngsters in the area at the time of the crime to contact them.

The youngsters knocked on the woman's door and started a conversation with her. The pensioner then invited the two boys into her home and spoke to them downstairs.

One boy, aged around nine, carried on talking to the woman while his 12-year-old accomplice disappeared upstairs.

It is believed he stole a purse with a small amount of cash after searching upstairs rooms in the house.

The boys fled after the elderly woman became suspicious. Both youngsters are white and the nine-year-old had short, dark hair and white training shoes.

Police are also warning people not to let unexpected callers into their home without checking their identity.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.

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