ROGUE traders are targeting elderly residents in East Dorset after Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, police say.

Officers are warning members of the public to take care after a 93-year-old Verwood man was visited this week.

PCSO Adam Fitzwalter said: "Men claiming to be from a tree work and gardening business knocked the gentleman's door.

"They have persuaded the homeowner that his garden fence was damaged during the stormy weather and that they could repair it for him that day.

"The men supposedly repaired the fence – although there is suspicion they may have caused this damage themselves in the first place to fool the homeowner – and then charged him several hundred pounds.

"The victim, who felt obliged to give them the money despite having no written contract, drove to his bank to withdraw cash to pay the men and was even followed by the rogues in their vehicle."