Detectives are closing in on bogus callers after a "terrific" response to a press appeal.

The pictures of six men - believed to be involved in doorstep hoaxes in Braintree and Witham - were published by the Evening Gazette on Thursday.

Detectives are now working on two important leads after several anonymous phone calls from the public.

But they are still looking for the public to come forward with more information.

Geoff Butler, Braintree police crime prevention officer, issued the pictures as part of a crackdown on bogus caller crime.

Braintree and Witham have suffered a spate of hoax callers with conmen using a variety of ruses to cheat elderly homeowners out of cash.

Mr Butler said: "As a result of that article there was a terrific response from the public.

"The callers wanted to remain anonymous but were very beneficial and gave us information and the ability to follow up on that.

"They were good bits of information. It is unusual to get this response to an e-fit appeal and it is something to work on.

He added: "We are still looking for any other information."

Karen Fulcher, from Essex Trading Standards, said publishing details of doorstep crime would help reduce the problem by increasing homeowners' awareness.

She said: "The way they work is very deceitful and callous. The advice is not to be conned, be confident."

Anyone with information should call police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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