A number of elderly residents in Bamber Bridge have this evening been targeted by a thief pretending to look for family, police have said.

South Ribble Police Force were out tackling hot-spots for anti-social behaviour, when they received reports that a male had stolen money from one elderly resident, and attempted to do so to others.

Taking to their Facebook at around 6:40 pm, South Ribble Police Force said: “Sgt Atkinson & team attended a crime this evening in Bamber Bridge whereby several elderly residents had an unknown male enter their flat pretending to be looking for family, he managed to steal some money from one of the elderly residents and made off from location before police arrival. We have some leads we are exploring and have provided safeguarding and reassurance. Given the heinous nature of this crime we have had to abandon asb patrol which im sure you will all understand.