BOGUS charity collectors as young as 12 have been knocking on doors claiming to be collecting cash for a Worcester children’s hospice.

Acorns Children’s Hospice has stressed it never makes door-to-door collections following reports of two incidents.

In the first, a girl aged about 12 called at an address in Warndon Villages, Worcester, on the evening of Thursday, June 11, and demanded money for the hospice, which has a centre in Bath Road.

She had no identification, and no tin or bucket bearing the hospice’s name.

A second youngster was seen hiding behind the woman householder’s caravan. One of the children was carrying a silver handbag.

The homeowner contacted staff at Acorns, which has now issued an alert to householders, warning them to report any sighting of the girls, and stressing that Acorns’ supporters do not make door-to-door collections.

The homeowner said that the incident had made her very anxious, as the girl was quite aggressive in her approach. In the second incident, in Malvern on Sunday, June 21, a man with what appeared to be a ‘tatty-looking sponsor form’ required money for an event he claimed he was doing for Acorns the following day. He had no identification and would not give his name.

The same man called again the following day asking for money, and shouted at the woman householder, who called West Mercia Police, who are investigating.

Sophie James, Acorns Children’s Hospice fund-raiser for Worcestershire, said: “We provide essential services for hundreds of children who have life limiting or life threatening illnesses and their families, and rely heavily on the public’s generosity to support our local service.

“We are deeply concerned that badly-needed funds may be diverted. People should be aware.”

Genuine collectors at Acorns’ public appeals always carry a street licence which can be verified.

A south Worcestershire Police spokesman confirmed that both incidents are being investigated.

He said: “These are cruel crimes affecting both those deceived into handing over the money – often the elderly and vulnerable – and the life limited children who would otherwise be helped by the donation.”

Anyone with further information about either incident – or any others not yet reported – should contact West Mercia Police on 0300 3333000 quoting 667S/220609.

Information can also be given – anonymously and free-of-charge – to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.