POLICE are warning residents in Bolton to be vigilant after a rogue builder tried to con a pensioner in Deane.

It follows an incident that happened in Deane Avenue at about 1pm on Tuesday in which an 81-year-old woman was left distressed by the aggressive nature of a man who carried out work on her home.

The man knocked on her door and spoke forcibly about the need for work to be done on her roof, police said.

Frightened, she agreed to the work and the man went on the roof, spending no more than 30 minutes washing down the ridge tiles.

He then demanded £250 in cash, which the woman refused to pay.

The woman then called police, and an officer went out to the house and inspected the work done.

Police said the tiles were washed "but no building work of any description took place".

The man is described as white, 5ft 10in tall and spoke with an accent, possibly Polish, and very quickly.

He was wearing blue overalls with some sort of logo on the breast pocket.

PC Paul Kenny said: "The manner in which this man attempted to get money out of an elderly woman was, at best, questionable and having inspected the work it is clear nothing more than the washing of tiles took place.

"Clearly that is not worth £250 and it is important we warn people living in this community that this man might try a similar stunt.

"If anyone does come knocking at your door and is aggressive in trying to persuade you work needs doing on your home, please refuse them and shut the door.

"Do not be afraid to call police if you feel you are being hassled and do not, under any circumstances, hand over any money.

"Any work on a house should be carried out by an approved trader who will be happy to show you their credentials and agree a fixed price before any work is carried out.

"We are working closely with trading standards and I would urge anyone who either has concerns or who suspects they too have been targeted in this way to call us."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.