A COUPLE in their eighties had their life savings stolen during a distraction burglary in Bury.

Two men knocked on the door of a house in Manchester Old Road, at about 2.30pm on Tuesday, August 16, where a married couple in their eighties were told by the men there was ivy in the gutter that needed cleaning.

He let the two men into the house and one of them distracted him and his wife, whilst the other searched the living room.

The offenders stole a significant amount of cash, before fleeing in a small white van in the direction of Olivant Street.

The first man is described as white, in his 50s, about 6ft tall, fat, and wearing a dirty grey t-shirt pale trousers, hat, and spoke with an Irish accent.

The second man is described as white, with a thin face and was wearing a yellow t-shirt.

Detective Constable Phil Slater of GMP’s Bury division said: “This is a very sad incident; both victims are devastated by the loss of their entire life savings.

“Whoever did this is despicable and I assure you we are doing all we can to catch them.

“If you saw the two men in the area at the time of the burglary, or have any information at all, no matter how small, please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8181 quoting incident number 1195 of 16/08/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.