A MAN has appeared in court accused of defrauding an elderly couple out of their £300,000 life savings.

Syed Bukhari, 37, of Union Road, Accrington, at Preston Magistrates Court this morning accused of eight counts of fraud, a passport offence and burglary in relation to the pair who are in their eighties.

Police said the couple’s financial loss is estimated to be in the region of £300,000. He was remanded in custody to appear before a Judge at Preston Crown next month.

A police spokesman said: “A man has been charged after an elderly couple from Preston were defrauded out of their home and some of their life savings.

“Syed Bukhari appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court this morning (February 15) accused of eight counts of fraud, a passport offence and burglary in relation to the pair who are in their eighties. Their financial loss is estimated to be in the region of £300,000.

“Bukhari, who has been remanded until his next appearance at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, March 20, was arrested on February 11 at Manchester Airport after landing on a flight from Dubai following an investigation by Preston CID and the Lancashire Economic Crime Unit.

“If you think you or someone you know has been the victim of this kind of crime, please contact us on 101.”