A THIEF stole a pensioner's lifesavings after calling at her home - to present her with a box of chocolates.

The surprised 86-year-old woman accepted his gift and allowed the conman into the house.

But, after he had left, the pensioner discovered her entire £6,000 savings was missing from her Astley Bridge home.

Today,as detectives hunted the conman, police reissued appeals to Bolton's old folk warning them not to allow strangers into their homes - no matter how plausible the excuses of callers may be.

The elderly victim of the latest theft had been stopped in the street by the conman and had given him directions to another address. She then returned home but a short time later was surprised to see the same man on her doorstep.

She let the man into her home after he presented her with a box of chocolates for helping him.

Detectives have released a detailed description of the man who called at her home off Blackburn Road. He is white, in his late 20s, wearing beige trousers, a white top and spoke with an Irish accent. He was wearing a mobile phone on his hip.

Any witnesses or anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact Astley Bridge CID or Crimestoppers detectives on the confidential free phone 0800 555 111.

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