A rogue trader tried to con money out of an elderly Poole woman, and police would like to know if anyone else has been targeted.

It is reported that, on Friday 15 July, the victim attended a bank in the Parkstone area to withdraw £1,000 for a man who had carried out works on her driveway.

It is alleged that the man initially offered to complete the job for £65 on the previous day.

The man was reportedly waiting outside the bank in a white Peugeot van.

A report was made to Dorset Police at around 12.40pm on Friday 15 July and, following a search of the area, a 30-year-old man from Oxfordshire was arrested on suspicion of dishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain for himself or another or causing another a loss. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Police Constable Hannah van der Eyken, of Poole police, said: “An investigation is underway into this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone with information that may assist my enquiries.

“I am also particularly keen to speak to anyone who has been approached locally in a similar manner recently.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220113882. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.