A gang of 'aggressive' workmen offering to tarmac driveways has prompted a warning from police.

They are urging householders to be on the alert, following two incidents in Trinity Road and Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, on December 7.

A police spokesman said: "In the first incident an elderly woman was pressurised into paying approximately four times the amount of cash she should have paid for the type of work carried out.

"The 'tarmaccers' had originally demanded almost twice as much as the amount finally paid. They took the woman to her bank but officials there refused to sanction such a large withdrawal, as they were concerned regarding the circumstances."

In the second incident, no money was paid and the workmen later reinstated the drive when police officers attended.

The police spokesman added: "We would urge residents not to enter into a contract with any- one knocking on the door.

"People should always use a recognised company from an official directory and, whenever possible, get written quotations from at least two firms."