Police are asking members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a conman in operation in the county.

The same man is believed to have approached elderly people in Fakenham and Yarmouth selling fake watches under the pretext of raising funds to buy petrol for an airport run.

Between 11am and 11.45pm on Friday August 13, a man driving a small black car with a silver stripe down the side was seen in Lancaster Close, Fakenham, where he persuaded an elderly man to buy some 'top quality' watches for £60 telling him he needed cash for petrol money in order to get to Heathrow airport. The watches were subsequently found to be cheap imitations worth around £5 each.

On Barnard Street, Yarmouth, on Wednesday, an elderly man on a mobility scooter was stopped by a man fitting the description. The conman engaged him in conversation and told him he need petrol money to get to Gatwick airport. The victim gave him some petrol money and further money for two watches, the man said he had been given as a retirement gift.

The offender is described as a white male aged in his 60s, with a sallow complexion. At Fakenham he spoke with an Italian accent and was notably wearing slippers. He remained in his vehicle during both incidents.

Inspector Peter Hornby of North Walsham and Stalham Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "On two occasions this man has targeted an elderly person, gained their trust by engaging them in conversation before conning them out of cash.

"Bogus operators can seen very genuine and will use any number of sob stories to gain their victim's trust. Be wary of cold callers to your home or if you are approached by anyone asking for money - for whatever reason. Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours and report anything suspicious to police, giving as much detail as possible."

If you have information about any of these incidents or think you may have been approached by this man call police on 0845 456 4567.