Pensioners in Keighley are being warned to beware of a woman pretending to deliver flowers to their houses.

Police are linking incidents in Haworth and Keighley, where a female con artist tricked her way into the homes of women in their 80s. The woman claimed to be delivering flowers from a friend -- "Shirley" in one attack and "Mrs Whitaker" in the other -- then ransacked the houses in search of money.

The first attack came between 2pm and 3pm last Thursday, in North Street, Haworth, and the woman carried a bunch of pink carnations.

The second was at 4pm on the same day in Otley Street, off South Street, Keighley, where the woman motioned to the householder through her window.

When the householder opened her door, the woman stepped inside, asked the pensioner to find a vase and then started opening cupboards and doors. When asked to leave, she ran from the house and the pensioner later discovered her purse was missing.

Keighley police sergeant Allan Gee says the attacks were more instances of a thief preying on elderly people by entering their houses under false pretences.

He said: "People should not under any circumstances open the door and allow people they don't know into the house."

Sgt Gee said householders should always ask for identification and preferably have a door chain fitted.

The suspect in both attacks was described as white, in her 20s, of small or medium build, about 5ft 2in tall, and wearing a light grey or beige anorak with the hood up.

The woman in Otley Street had a pale complexion and a distinctive pointed nose, had a clean and tidy appearance and spoke with a local accent.

The Haworth thief, with light-brown or blonde collar-length hair - possibly bleached - wore a fawn-coloured skirt.

Anyone who can identify the woman, or who saw her in either vicinity, should phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Keighley police on 01535 617059.