POLICE are warning elderly residents to be on their guard after a conman struck in Runcorn.

The confidence trickster knocked at the home of an elderly couple in Oxford Road, Runcorn, at 10.30am last Friday

and demanded cash for repairs which he said needed doing to their roof.

The phoney contractor then barged his way in through the front door and took £120 from the confused pensioners.

The thug then demanded more cash before searching one of the rooms in the house and then leaving.

The fraudster is described as white with a large build and was wearing a high visibility jacket.

Police say there was another man waiting outside in a white box van.

A police spokeswoman said: “There have been a number of worrying incidents lately and I would warn elderly residents to be on their guard.”

Legitimate contractors will always call first to arrange an appointment and carry identification.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 452 0000.