TWO elderly woman aged 80 and 67 were victims of a con man posing as a police officer in two separate incidents in Prestwich.

On both occasions, the conman approached the front door of the houses in Stanhope Court, Bury New Road, and showed a false identification card.

The pensioners allowed him into the living room of their home.

He stole a handbag from one of the properties but escaped empty-handed from the other.

The incidents happened at around 10.30am yesterday.

The man is described as white, 30 years, medium build, dark skinned, with dark brown bushy crew cut hairstyle and was wearing a blue jumper, blue jeans and trainers.

Police are urging people to be diligent when answering the door to strangers and always ask for identification. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "You should check the details before allowing anyone access to your property and if you are still uncertain, refuse them entry and contact the Police."

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.