A FOREIGN student was tricked into paying £250 for a bottle of water, when he thought he was buying an iPhone and an iPad.

The scam started in Durham Market Place on Thursday (May 16) afternoon.

The 22-year-old student was approached by a stranger who said he was struggling to pay his rent and, to raise the money he needed, was selling an iPhone and an iPad.

The student said he was interested, withdrew money from a nearby cash machine and walked with the man to a nearby garage.

At the garage, the man opened the boot of a blue Ford Ka and showed him the two electronic items.

After the student agreed the deal and handed over the money, he was given a bag, which he assumed contained the goods.

However, he later discovered the bag contained only a 1.5-litre bottle of water and some cardboard.

Durham Police are investigating the incident and have warned people to be on their guard against such con men.

The man is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, clean shaven, with short fair or light coloured hair. He was wearing a checked, hooded top and jeans.

A second man, who remained in the car, is described as white, with frizzy hair, a moustache and of a “dirty” appearance.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Paul Vickers on the police’s non-emergency number, 101.