PEOPLE in Trowbridge are being warned to stay vigilant and keep on the lookout for their elderly neighbours following an incident with a rogue trader in the town.

An elderly woman living in the Wyke Road area received a couple of visitors on Tuesday (September 20) at 11am who told her that she needed work carried out on her roof, quoting her costs of £850 if she paid in cash.

The two people then told the woman they would carry out the work while she went to the bank to withdraw the cash to pay them. When the woman returned from the bank with the cash the two people told her that a neighbour had confirmed that the works needed to be carried out. After she handed them the cash they left the area very quickly with no work being carried out.

PC Mark Hough said: "This incident has been reported to Trading Standards who are leading the investigation, but we would like to urge members of the community to be extra vigilant when answering the door to people you do not know. We believe this woman was targeted because she is elderly and very vulnerable.

"The actions of those responsible are completely sickening and extremely upsetting for the woman involved.

"I'd like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and to look out for elderly neighbours - please report anything suspicious in your area to police on 101. If you believe a crime is in progress, please call 999."