THREE elderly residents have been scammed out of hundreds of pounds by a conman posing as an Army veteran.

One victim handed over £50 for a tea towel and set of secateurs after he was targeted by the fraudster, who said he needed to sell items to get on to a Government back-to-work programme.

The trickster, who told residents he was a retired lance corporal, has so far targeted residents in the Kingswood and Laindon areas.

The issue was raised at a Neighbourhood Meeting and councillors and officers are warning people to be vigilant.

Ukip councillor, Kerry Smith, said: “These type of people are beyond contempt, stalking and ripping off pensioners.

“It is not acceptable and this person cannot be allowed to get away with it.”

Theman has targeted residents in Nethermayne, Sparrows Hern and Clay Hill Road. He wears a suit and speaks with a formal, military-style accent.

He has been cold-calling mainly elderly residents, trying to sell household items, including tea towels, gardening tools and chamois leathers.

The conman tells residents that he has just left the Army and needs to sell the items door to door so that he can get on a back to work scheme.

Essex Police confirmed they were investigating the incidents.

Anyone who has been targeted by the trickster, or anyone with information, should contact police on 101 or Essex County Council Trading Standards on 08454 040 506.