Elderly woman saved from handing savings to men

Officers were called to a bank on Market Street, Bolton, by observant bank staff

A "vulnerable" elderly woman was saved from handing over her savings to two men who demanded she withdraw cash thanks to quick thinking bank staff, police have said.

Officers were called to a report of suspicious activity and a concern for welfare at a bank on Market Street, Bolton, at about 11:00 BST on Wednesday, Greater Manchester Police said.

GMP said they found two men had taken advantage of the elderly woman's vulnerabilities when they knocked on her door and took her to the bank demanding she withdraw a substantial amount of money.

Two men, aged 27 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation with one also being wanted for other offences.

Sgt Paul Lockett said: "Our work doesn't always involved fast-paced pursuits but on this occasion with us being able to respond rapidly and the knowledge of the bank staff that something wasn't right and to report it, instead we managed to startle them and catch them there and then before any harm could be done.

"Extorting and taking advantage of vulnerable people in our society for quick monetary gain is one of the most shocking and heartbreaking acts you can do.

"We now have district detectives questioning them on their motives and actions and we were able to return the lady who was understandably upset and confused back to her home safely whilst informing her loved ones."