POLICE are hunting a sneaky thief who duped his way into an elderly woman's home claiming to be searching for his pet cat.

The 69-year-old woman was left shocked after the male walked into her home in Rose Hill Street, Darwen between 10.40am and 10.45am on Wednesday.

The man, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, stole her handbag containing pension benefits amounting to £400.

And today police warned other elderly residents to be on their guard.

The man entered the rear of the house claiming to have lost his pregnant cat. While the woman searched for it in the house the man stole the handbag.

He is said to be 5ft 10in tall, medium build, with dark brown short hair, a round face, close shaven with a small fringe. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark jacket and trousers.

DC Mussarat Khan of Darwen police said: "We want people to be aware of what has happened and remind elderly people that there are people like this out there.

"This was a particularly despicable crime on a vulnerable woman who is house bound."

Anyone with any information should contact us on 01254 353843.