Bogus workmen drove two pensioners to a bank to withdraw nearly £2,000.

The workers carried out work on two homes and walked off with the cash. Act Det Insp Mick Ornellas said there had been four incidents in the past week in Great Holland, Holland-on-sea and Clacton.

He said the men had appeared to target pensioners, claiming they needed work doing to their property. "Two of these people were taken to the bank where they withdrew money and handed the money to the men."

One pensioner paid £1,000 for minor roof repairs, one gave £800 for work to a wall, another handed over £80 for painting and a fourth managed to move the workers on.

Mr Ornellas said it was not thought the conmen were local to the area and warned people to be careful before accepting offers of work.

One of the men is described as being in his mid-30s, 5ft 10ins tall, with short hair and wearing "bibs and braces" work clothes. The men drove a grey Ford van in one incident.

Anyone worried can call the police on 01255 221312.

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