Householders conned in cash scam

Dozens of residents in Cumbria have been tricked out of money after falling victim to a bogus sales leaflet.

Police said 30 householders in Carlisle and west Cumbria reported receiving leaflets advertising electrical goods.

A smartly-dressed salesman then called to collect deposits of up to £50, but the items were never delivered.

The leaflet lists an address in Bradford which does not exist. Other areas targeted include Barrow, Flimby, Siddick and Distington, police said.

The male salesman was in his late 30s with short, dark hair in a crew-cut style, and spoken with a Yorkshire accent.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "Information received suggests that the scam may not be confined to north and west Cumbria.

"Police and trading standards officials are warning householders across the region to avoid dealing with cold-callers or leafleters unless they know someone who has already dealt directly with the company in question."