AN ELDERLY man was left "extremely frightened" after he was conned into paying for work he hadn't asked for.

At around 10am on Monday, June 3, two men visited a property in Keysworth Drive, Sandford and began trimming the hedge.

They had not asked permission so the victim – who is in his 80s – challenged them. However, the two men convinced him to allow the work to continue.

After 45 minutes, the men told the victim he owed £340 for the work. The victim only had £320 so he handed this over and the pair left.

One of the offenders is described as white, approximately five feet eight inches tall, aged in his 30s, of stocky build and with short dark hair. He was unshaven and had a tanned complexion.

The offenders were travelling in a white flatbed-type van with green writing on the side.

PC Dan Lander, of Purbeck police, said: “This appears to be a targeted incident toward an elderly resident, which has left him feeling extremely frightened and vulnerable in his own home.

"I would like to reassure him and members of the community that we are carrying out a full investigation to identify the offenders."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55190085033.