A PENSIONER suffered a double heartache when burglars broke into her home just hours after her husband died.

Police believe burglars were keeping watch on the house in Great Harwood and decided to strike after seeing paramedics leaving the property.

The 85-year-old vcitim was asleep in bed when thieves broke into her home in Harwood New Road between 11pm on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday.

Police believe the offenders were disturbed before making off with two bank cards.

Only a few hours earlier the victim's was widowed when her 91-year-old husband died at their home.

Both had lived in Great Harwood all of their lives and they had been married for 60 years.

An investigation is underway and police are urging anyone with information about who was responsible to come forward.

PC Rachel Pilkington said: "This was a despicable crime against a vulnerable elderly lady who was grieving the death of her husband.

"While the death of her husband was not suspicious, we are investigating the possibility that the property was targeted by thieves who were aware that there had been a death at the house and perhaps thought there was no-one in.

"The woman is obviously extremely upset by this.

"We are treating this incident very seriously and a thorough police investigation will now take place involving specialist police officers from CID, the neighbourhood policing team and crime scene investigators.

"I urge anyone who can help us to identify who was responsible to come forward immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.