Conmen followed an elderly woman into her home and forced her to hand over cash.
Her ordeal, in Wood Lane, Fordham Heath, began after the victim refused to pay for driveway work they had done without asking.
A Colchester police spokesman said a white van turned up at the lady's home and laid shingle.
He said they demanded £400 and, when she refused, followed her into her home and eventually left after she handed over £40.
But, the spokesman said, the men said they would be back for the rest and the woman reported the visit to police.
The callers were described as three white men, possibly "from the travelling fraternity". They left towards Porters Cottage.
Anyone with information about the incident, at about 3.50pm yesterday, should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday, February 1, 2005
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