A pensioner was conned out of £24,000 after bogus cold-callers offered to work on his chimney.

Surrey Police is warning people to be alert after the trusting 76-year-old was told work was needed on his "dangerous" chimney stack and parted with the cash between Friday, December 4, and Tuesday , December 8.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Richard Hamlin, said: "The main conman, who called himself Mr O'Hara, was very confident, plausible and convinced the victim he was dealing with a legitimate and reputable company.

"He extorted £24,000 from this pensioner in less than a week which is more than some people earn in a year. However, the fraudsters were not satisfied with £24,000 and asked the victim for an additional £20,000 which was when the gentleman contacted Surrey Police and Trading Standards. "

Police described the three suspects as white, with Irish accents.

Anyone wanting to check a trader's authenticity should visit www.buywithconfidence.info.

Anyone with information about this or any other crime should call 0845 125222 or call Crimestoppers free on 0800 1252222.