A RUTHLESS duo who stole from the homes of 10 Bolton pensioners after posing as workmen could strike again, police have warned.

Detectives are linking the men to break-ins in the Wigan area and thefts in Bury.

It is possible the men who targeted the Bolton pensioners are working as a team of up to four people, including a driver.

They fled with hundreds of pounds worth of cash and jewellery from the homes of victims aged 64 to 92.

The men struck five times on Friday and five times on Saturday in the Bolton area.

Each victim was told by one man that a pipe had burst and they needed to turn off the water supply inside the house.

While the pensioners were distracted, another man entered the house and rifled through their belongings.

Det Con Corrine Wooton said: "We are desperate to catch them before they are able to prey on any more vulnerable and elderly people."

The victims were: l An 89-year-old woman in Chorley Road, Westhoughton, at 1pm on Friday.

l A couple aged 80 and 82 in Moss Bank Way, Smithills, at 4pm on Friday.

l An 87-year-old man on the same road at 4pm on Friday.

l An 87-year-old woman in Churchward Square, Horwich, at 4.30pm on Friday.

l An 83-year-old woman in Willows Lane, Deane, at 6.30pm on Friday.

l A 76-year-old man at Higher Southfield, Westhoughton, between 6.45pm and 7.10pm on Saturday.

l A 72-year-old woman in St Catherine's Drive, Farnworth at 7pm on Saturday.

l An 80-year-old woman in the same street 45 minutes later.

l A 92-year-old woman in Tonge Street, Kearsley, at 8pm on Saturday.

l A 64-year-old woman in Roosevelt Road, Kearsley, at 8.15pm on Saturday.

The first offender was white, slim, aged 20 to 30, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall and had dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

The other was white and may be in his 40s. He was of medium build and wore dark clothing. The men have Scottish and Irish accents.

Anyone with information should ring 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.