Blackburn and Chorley residents could hold the key to catching a "despicable" conman who fleeces cash out of women by pretending to be a fireman.

Detectives have launched a nationwide hunt for the man whose victims in the last 12 months include women in Blackburn and Chorley.

Police know he has taken cash off at least 100 victims in 13 counties after they fell for his story that he had lost his car keys and needed money for a train home.

The casually-dressed conman always leaves contact details including a fire station he pretends to work at.

Police believe there are many more victims too embarrassed to come forward.

The man heading the hunt, DC Kevin Harper of Derbyshire Police, said: "They may think there is nothing police can do. I want them to contact me or their local police. He is stealing from people who feel sorry for him. It is a despicable crime."

Police have issued a photograph and name of a man they think may be able to help with the inquiry.

He is 37-year-old Paul Andrew Carson who is approximately 5ft 10ins, of medium build, fair complexion and fair hair.

DC Harper added: "We are appealing to anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact us.

"He uses a variety of names and travels the country, approaching lone women. He says he has lost his car keys. He asks women to lend him money for a train home. He leaves his name, address, a mobile phone number and the fire station name for contact.

"Sometimes he has even stopped at the victim's house overnight and persuaded people to give him more money.

"It is only when the victim makes inquiries to trace him that they realise he has given false details."

Anyone who has any information about Mr Carson's whereabouts or has been a victim should call DC Harper on 0845 1233333 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.