Elderly people have been warned to be vigilant after an fraudsters tried to con an 85-year-old out of £2,500.

The woman, living in Hyde Park Avenue, Winchmore Hill, opened her door to a man claiming sewage works being carried out might affect her property and they would need to investigate this.

He asked for her phone number so his 'boss' could contact her to confirm what he had said.

Minutes later her phone rang and the woman spoke with a man who repeated what the suspect had said.

The 'boss' also informed her she needed to provide a deposit of £2,500 and said a colleague would come round to collect this.

Five minutes later a second man knocked at the victim's door, walking straight into her property when it was opened.

The 85-year-old asked the man to leave. Both the first and second callers were seen outside the house.

The elderly woman immediately called the police and no money was exchanged.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged around 20 to 30 years, 6ft tall with short brown hair. He was wearing a navy top, possibly a turtle neck, with navy blue trousers.

The second man is described as a white man, aged around 20 to 30 years, 5ft 8ins tall, with short brown hair. He was wearing a navy blue jumper.

Inspector Andy Port, from Enfield's south cluster policing team, said: "I would like to remind residents, especially the elderly, to always ask for identification before letting people into their homes."

Enfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, Cllr Chris Bond, said: “Our advice is never to give out details to anyone who calls you unexpectedly – whether by telephone or by coming to your door.

"Never let anyone inside your home if they call unexpectedly, until you are satisfied they are who they say they are and we recommend residents are vigilant about giving out personal details and think very carefully before buying goods or services on their doorstep."