POLICE have issued a warning amid fears that lone motorists are being targeted in a fuel scam.

Darlington police say they have received reports of drivers being flagged down and asked for cash for petrol.

A woman contacted police to say she had been stopped by a man near Walworth, County Durham, who claimed he had run out of diesel and needed money to buy some.

The woman said she did not carry cash and drove on.

Inspector Sue Collingwood, of Darlington police, said they were not sure whether this had been a genuine request.

But she said: "We have had quite a few complaints like this before and would ask people to exercise caution.

"The best thing to do if you are unsure is to drive on and let someone know if a motorist has a problem, especially if you are on your own late at night."