Police in bogus callers warning

Police are warning residents to be on their guard against bogus callers after a spate of incidents in County Durham.

The homes of five elderly pensioners were targeted on Thursday afternoon by two men claiming to be water board or gas officials, police said.

However, officers believe they went away empty-handed on all occasions after being challenged for ID.

The homes targeted were at various addresses in Newton Aycliffe, Tudhoe and Chester-le-Street.

Durham Police said it was unusual for genuine workers from utility companies to turn up on the doorstep unannounced.