Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a conman tricked a pensioner out of money in Christchurch.

The incident occurred at an address in the Purewell area between 9am and 11am on Tuesday.

The victim – aged in his nineties – returned home to find the offender, who claimed to be a builder, waiting for him. He was told that guttering work had been undertaken on his property and he paid him cash. The victim later discovered that the work had not been completed.

Detective Constable Emma Smith, of Dorset Police CID, said: “This was a callous crime against an elderly victim which has left him shocked and very upset.”

The offender is described as a white man in his forties, approximately five feet ten inches tall and of a stocky build. He has short fair hair and a round face with a red complexion.

He was wearing an old-fashioned style grey coloured flat cap, blue builder’s trousers and a blue workman’s shirt. It is believed that he spoke with a London accent.

DC Smith continued: “In light of this offence I ask householders to be vigilant and to report any unusual or untoward activity in their area.

“I also encourage members of the public to keep an eye on their vulnerable neighbours or family members.”