Bogus police officer steals 'substantial amount of cash' from vulnerable Telford woman

West Mercia Police are looking into the incident after the bogus officer rang up the woman's home in the Hollinswood are of the town claiming to be from Manchester police.

He told her that her bank account had been hacked and advised her to withdraw a substantial amount of money to hand over to 'a man' who would collect the cash from her the next day.

A man visited her home to collect the money.

He is described as small in height and scruffy in appearance.

Officers say the matter was reported to police on Tuesday, but the theft was believed to have taken place last week.

Detective Sergeant Antony Cleobury, of Telford CID, said: "Unfortunately bogus callers such as this prey on people who are elderly or vulnerable in our communities and I want to make sure anyone who has an elderly relative, neighbour or friend is aware that not everyone who contacts them, whether over the phone or knocking at the door, is who they claim to be and they should be on their guard.

"If in any doubt ring police on 101 - or if a it is an emergency or a crime is taking place ring 999.

"We're carrying out inquiries to identify those responsible for this incident and would urge anyone who has information to come forward and speak to us.

"If anyone has seen anyone seemingly suspicious or anything out of the ordinary in Hollinswood over the past few weeks then we want to know."

Anyone with information should call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org