Fake antique dealer hunted

Police are hunting for a bogus antique dealer who has targeted elderly people across Lancashire in a series of distraction thefts.

The man has been labelled the Watchman by Lancashire Police who are warning pensioners to beware after he struck in Chorley, Preston, Darwen, Accrington and Blackpool.

A team of officers from the major crime unit are investigating the incidents which they believe date back to 1997.

They are appealing for help from the public to catch the man who is invited into victims' homes by offering to sell them watches or clocks.

The man, who calls himself Alan, is thought to be in his 50s, white, nearly 6ft tall, of stocky build and with a friendly manner.