HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to be vigilant following a suspicious incident in Gorse Hill.

An elderly man had agreed to have work done on his property.

But when the tradesmen arrived, they demanded extra cash, saying the guttering needed replacing.

The man refused to pay and asked them to leave.

By chance, two plainclothes police officers were in the area on other inquiries, and spoke to the distressed resident.

The builders fled in their vehicle, leaving their tools behind.

Police are reminding householders to be extremely sceptical of anyone who turns up on their doorstep offering services without an appointment.