Conmen who targeted elderly Burnley couple are hunted

Detectives have released this Evofit of one of the men they want to speak to in connection with the incident, in Suffolk Avenue, Burnley, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20th.

One of the men knocked at the front door pretending to be from the water board. When the 77-year-old occupant demanded identification he was told “it’s in the van” before the offender made his way into the kitchen uninvited.

A second man went upstairs where he searched a bedroom before being disturbed by the elderly man’s 68-year-old wife who asked them to leave. They left empty handed.

Both men are white, clean shaven and dressed in black. One is 5ft. 2in. to 5ft. 5in. tall, aged in his mid-20s with a stocky build. He was wearing a black beanie hat. The second man is 5ft. 6in. tall and thin. He had a royal blue hat on.

Sgt Paul Gaynor said it appeared the couple were targeted as they are elderly and vulnerable. “It is possible they could strike again so I urge people to remain vigilant.”