WORKMEN are targeting businesses by carrying out car park repairs without permission then threatening violence to get paid.

In one incident, a social club president feared for his life after one of the gang turned up on his doorstep demanding cash.

Detectives are investigating similar incidents throughout Bolton.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was approached by a workman outside the Hill Top Sports and Social Club in Blackrod.

He claimed he was working on the drains and would have to block off the car park.

The president asked him to let him know when that was going to happen and offered his address.

The workman said his gang was nearby and would carry out repairs to the car park as well for £30.

The president offered to put it before the committee, but when he returned from picking his wife up later the same day, he found it had already been done.

The workmen then turned up at his house demanding £2,600 and threatening violence if he did not pay up.

The club treasurer, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said: "The work was not even done properly.

"They said if they did not get paid they would bring caravans to the club and put them on the car park.

"They threatened to beat him up and use the bowling green as a children's play area.

"They got his home phone number from his 81-year-old mother, who lives with him, and started ringing him day and night.

"This is not an isolated incident. People should not agree to have the work carried out and I would advise people not to part with any money."

The men constantly rang the club demanding cash but eventually fled when the police were contacted.

The incident follows an assault on a businessman who refused to pay £5,000 to workmen he had allowed to carry out repair work totalling £25.

Mark Wilman, a partner at In.de.cor fabric furniture in Bath Street, Bolton, said he was sworn at and kicked after he told the builders he would not hand over the cash.

Police said a bakery at the Beehive Industrial Unit, Lostock, was targeted and threats made to staff less than 24 hours after the incident at the Blackrod club.

Sgt Jim Winwood, of Astley Bridge Police, said: "We don't know for sure whether or not these incidents are connected, but people should be mindful when having work carried out.

"Always use a reputable firm which may have been running for many years and always receive written quotations.

"Our advice is to be very, very suspicious of anyone who comes around asking if you want work done."