POLICE have warned the public to beware of 'bogus traders' in Worcester after men in a white van demanded cash while posing as council workers.

Three men are reported to have visited an address in Vigornia Avenue, Worcester, between 1.30pm and 2pm on Thursday.

They knocked on the door, stated they had been working on the property next door and offered to repair the victim's roof.

One of the three men went up a ladder to inspect the property, claiming that rotten wood needed replacing and a sum of £150 was exchanged for them to carry out the work.

However, the men left the area without undertaking any repairs.

It is believed the same men attended an address in Wylds Lane between 10.30am and 11am, driving the same white van with ladders attached to the roof.

In this incident, a man knocked on the victim's door stating he was working on behalf of the council, cleaning guttering for free.

A second man went up a ladder and again claimed that rotten wood needed replacing, entering the rear yard of the property and removing a section of guttering in the process.

The men demanded cash in the region of £1,200 to complete the work, and when the victim refused they asked for payment by cheque.

This too was refused before the men left the property, leaving the section of guttering that they had removed.

Anyone with information of anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area is asked to call 101, quoting incident 403s of June 15.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Police would like to remind homeowners not to be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep.

"Only deal with firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses and always ask for identification from any trader calling at your door.

"If you don't want to speak to the trader don't open your door to them and do not allow uninvited callers into your home.

"If you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the police."

More information about bogus traders can be found at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/Bogus