A TEAM of pickpockets is preying on pensioners as they board buses in Blackburn, detectives warned today.

Now police are appealing for help to find the two men they believe are targeting elderly people as they board buses in Ainsworth Street in the town.

Officers are linking two similar incidents in which two men were seen jostling their elderly victims as they boarded buses on the bus station in the town centre.

One victim -- a 79-year-old local man -- was jostled and distracted as he boarded a bus on Monday with his wife. He later found his wallet had been stolen from his pocket.

During their inquiries with the bus company, detectives found a previous incident had striking similarities.

In that case, however, the elderly victim -- again a man -- did not report the incident and police would like him to come forward.

Detective Constable Martin Hulme, from Blackburn CID, is also looking for a woman who intervened when the men were seen acting suspiciously.

DC Hulme said: "I would really like the woman, who disturbed the two men as they were jostling the elderly gentleman, to come forward and speak to me in confidence. I believe this incident is linked to the theft earlier this week and need more information to identify the men responsible."

The incident took place on Friday, June 4, just before 1pm on the number 10 bus which travels from Ainsworth Street to Wensley Road, Blackburn.

The offenders are white, in their 30s, and both wore dark clothing. One had very short hair, and the other was bald.

DC Hulme said: "It may also be possible that other people have been victims of similar incidents and haven't reported them. They should contact the police. I would also ask that anybody boarding buses in Ainsworth Street makes themselves aware of who is around them and make sure they keep their possessions safe."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Hulme on 01254 353562.