Suspected rogue traders arrested

Police carried out raids at five properties

A builder who allegedly overcharged a man by nearly £300,000 for roof repairs has been arrested during raids targeting suspected rogue traders.

West Midlands Police said they believed the man, who was arrested in Stechford, Birmingham, charged a 79-year-old widower £315,000 for £20,000 of work.

Three other people were arrested during dawn raids at five properties.

Det Chief Insp Andy Parsons said: "The people responsible for this type of crime prey on the most vulnerable".

The raids by police and trading standards officers took place in Birmingham and Solihull as part of the national rogue trader campaign.

Mr Parsons said police had gathered "a wealth of information" about suspected doorstep conmen which it would be acting on during the weeks ahead.

He said: "Working alongside other agencies we have sent out a powerful message that their actions will not be tolerated - they are the people who should fear a knock on the door."

He added that officers were aware such offenders were often linked to criminal networks which would also be targeted.