POLICE have issued a warned to staff working at petrol station in the county, following hoax calls to city stations.

West Mercia Police say the warning has been issued after identical hoax calls were made to the petrol stations in Tolladine Road Worcester, and Worcester Road Great Witley last week, claiming to be from the regional area manager.

In both calls the caller asked how much money and cigarettes were on the premises and whether it was possible to access the safe, although nothing was handed over in either incident. Two similar incidents were also recently reported to Gloucestershire Police.

Detective Constable Debbie Whitehead said: "We would urge staff to guard against suspicious calls of this nature and not carry out the instructions given.

"In case of doubt phone 101, and anyone with information about these particular incidents should quote incident numbers 794S 160219 and 161S 170219 for Worcestershire, and 20190211-0019 for Gloucestershire.

"Alternatively, you can give information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website."

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