A BOGUS nurse has sparked a security alert after calling at elderly people’s homes, claiming to be giving flu vaccinations.

The fake nurse, dressed in blue dress and carrying an orange plastic box, initially attempted to gain entry to a 63-year-old man’s house in Ripon, North Yorkshire, but was refused entry.

She later gained entry to a 94-year-old resident’s home in the city, but police say it is not known what she said to convince the resident to let her in. It not thought anything was stolen.

Neither of the people, who are both patients at North House GP Surgery, in North Street, were given a flu vaccination or an injection of any kind.

In both cases, the woman is described as white, aged in her early 40s with blonde hair.

North Yorkshire Police said no other similar incidents have been reported, but believe the fake nurse, whose motive is unclear, may have visited other residents.

A spokeswoman for the surgery, which has launched its winter flu vaccination programme for elderly and vulnerable people, said she did not wish to comment.

PC Lorraine Diggins, of Ripon Safer Neighbourhood Team, said homeowners should never let anyone into their homes unless they are absolutely certain the caller is genuine She said: “I have spoken with local health care providers and they have confirmed that this woman does not work for them and they never have staff making unannounced home visits.”

Anyone with information should call PC Diggins on 0845-60-60-24-7.