Police today warned elderly people to beware of a fat conman who tried to dupe a 92-year-old.

The woman, who is partially blind, opened her front door in Clifton Avenue, Benfleet, at around 9.30am yesterday and found a "very large" man on her doorstep.

He pretended to be a repair man and said he would do some free work for her.

Sgt Kevin Diable-White said: "A man knocked at her door and told her she had a loose tile on her roof which he was willing to fix free of charge.

"When the lady said she would speak to her boy first, the man left in a hurry, it seems he was trying to con the lady.

"We would warn other elderly residents in the area to beware of this man and anyone who knows who he is should call us."

The man is described as white, very large and in his 30s.

Contact Benfleet police on 01268 756221.

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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