Police have issued a fresh warning against rogue traders after a pensioner in Tunbridge Wells was conned into paying out £550 for work on her home.

The woman, living in an area close to Powder Mill Lane, was first cold called by a man offering to carry out maintenance to her property on January 29.

He told her he was working at a nearby building site and offered to clean her gutters for £30.

Once up a ladder, the man claimed there were loose roof tiles which needed replacing and that it would cost £200.

He returned a couple of days later with two other men and the price for the work kept going up, with the victim eventually shelling out £550.

In order to deter doorstep fraudsters, officers are advising residents not to deal with people who knock on the door offering work, and to call them if concerns about their behaviour are raised.

Police say genuine companies will not expect cash in advance or ask for cash to be withdrawn, and recommend using reputable traders who are members of the KCC Trading Standards approved trader scheme, run in partnership with Checkatrade.

Furthermore, they advise asking for quotes in writing to check the tradesperson is from the company they say they are, and to ring at least three different traders to get a feel for an average price for the job.

General problems involving suspected rogue traders can be reported on 101 or through Citizens Advice Consumer Services Consumer Direct on 03454 040506.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious relating to the Powder Mill Lane incident is asked to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 11-1442.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.