PARENTS were warned yesterday to be vigilant after a third report of a bogus social worker trying to take a child from its home.

The latest incident took place at about 1.45pm on Thursday, when a woman called at a house in Dovedale Avenue, Grangetown, Redcar, Teesside, and said she was there to take the children away.

The occupier refused the woman entry and closed the door on her.

The woman, who posed as a social worker, wore a grey jacket and skirt.

She had shoulder-length hair with highlights and drove off in a small silver hatchback car.

Parents who have suspicions about similar callers can contact social services or police immediately to confirm if the person is a genuine social worker.

In the earlier incidents, the mother of a two-month-old girl said the bogus caller was a middle-aged woman who knew her baby's first name and date of birth.

Even after the 33-year-old, from Stockton, shut the door in her face, the woman rang the doorbell five times.

Later that day, police said a mother in Boosbeck, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, reported a similar incident.

She also denied the woman access to her child after she became suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Paul Husband on (01642) 302626.