CONMEN claiming to be builders targeted a 61-year-old man.

Police are warning other people to be on their guard after three men called at the man's home in Grassholme Place, Newton Aycliffe, last week, and told him he needed work doing on his roof.

One of the three men, who called the "gaffer," said the repairs would cost £500.

The victim withdrew the cash from a cash machine in the town and returned to his home where the men were waiting for him.

They asked for the money up front for materials and said they would return to carry out the work on Monday, June 27.

But they failed to arrive and the man called the police.

PC Darrell Brown said householders should be cautious about cold callers. "Before people engage builders to carry out work for them they should ensure they are genuine and only pay for work once it is done to their satisfaction," he said.

"These people tend to target vulnerable members of society and we would urge anyone who is approached in this way to contact us." The man who called himself the gaffer is described as being in his late 20s, 5ft 8in tall, of slim to medium build and looked very fit. He had close-cut jet black hair and spoke with a strong Irish accent.

His accomplices were both about 18-years-old, 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, with short blond hair.

Anybody with information can contact Newton Aycliffe police on 0845 6060 365.