A bogus Army captain is targeting vulnerable Shropshire pensioners by asking for cash to go towards a coffin for a soldier killed in Iraq, police said today.

Detectives believe the man, whom they have branded “heartless and disrespectful”, may have been active in Trench and the surrounding Telford area for several weeks.

Wearing camouflage clothing and a beret, the man knocked on the door of a 73-year-old woman in Springfield Road, Trench, on Thursday night.

The pensioner told officers the man told her he was collecting money so the unnamed soldier’s coffin could be paraded through the streets of Telford and promised her a £20 gift voucher which would be sent to her at a later date.

The woman handed over £10, but police believe she may not have been the only one and appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said: “We are also aware that he has targeted other addresses without success too.

“Thankfully at the moment we have not had any further reports of people handing over money to this man.

“However, we feel it is extremely likely that he has visited further addresses in and around Trench and we are keen to hear from anyone who has seen this man – especially if you have handed over money believing his story to be genuine.

“He appears to be preying on vulnerable members of the community and the story he is using to trick people seems particularly heartless and disrespectful.”

Captain Gordon Murr, vice-chairman of Hadley and Leegomery Royal British Legion, branded the fraudster “despicable”.

“This is just not on, preying on the consciences of the elderly in this way,” he said.

“We would urge people if they have any doubt to just shut the door and call the police.”

The man is described as being Asian, aged between 18 and 22, and slim. He was described as wearing camouflage clothing and a beret with a badge on it.

Anyone who believes they may have been visited by this man or who recognises the description, is urged to call Telford police on 0300 333 3000.