BURGLARS posing as workmen assaulted an elderly victim in their own home in Runcorn before stealing cash.

Three men called at the home of two vulnerable people in the old town on Tuesday, claiming they were from a housing provider and had come to look at the boiler.

Once inside, they searched both properties and stole cash.

At one address, they assaulted an elderly victim, causing minor injuries.

The incidents happened between 7.50pm and 8.15pm. One of the men is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a cap and white trainers.

Detective Constable Zoe Bowden said: “This type of offence primarily targets vulnerable older victims and suspects pray on their good nature pretending to be there to help the victim.

“However, once inside they will then take money or items of sentimental value. In this case one of the victims was assaulted.

"They sustained minor injuries and have been left extremely shaken by their ordeal.

"Please make your family and friends aware of these incidents and help us to prevent more victims of this horrible crime.”

Cheshire Police are urging people to be viligant when people call at your door.

If you are concerned that someone is not who they say they are please following this advice;

• Do not let anyone you don't know into your home who calls unexpectedly. If you do answer the door, make sure you have it on the chain and ask for identification

• If they show identification, close the door and check that it is genuine by calling the phone number provided

• If you have any doubts about them being genuine, don't let them in. Instead ask them to come back later when you are not alone

If anyone has any information about the incidents then please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 9330. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.