AN elderly woman was threatened with violence in her home by two men who stole cash.

The woman, of Blackburn Road, Edgworth, was robbed on Tuesday January 3.

Police have only just released details of the incident -- despite officers saying they needed witnesses to come forward.

Two men claimed to be from a gas company and, once inside her home, threatened violence.

As well as cash, they took the keys to the woman's red Ford Ka and used that as the getaway vehicle.

Police said they wanted to trace two white men in their 40s who were seen in the area wearing dark bomber jackets as well as the driver of a bright green estate car which was parked in Blackburn Road before the robbery.

Detective Constable Chris Shaw, from Darwen CID, said: "This is a particularly distasteful crime given the threats of violence towards a vulnerable resident and intrusion into her home.

"No one was physically injured during the robbery but the lady was terribly shaken by the incident.

"This is an isolated incident but residents are encouraged to remain vigilant of any suspicious or unusual vehicles or persons seen around the rural districts.

"Anyone who saw the stolen vehicle being driven away, or have any information about the offence or the offenders and green vehicle should contact the police."