A warning has been issued after a doorstep scammer tried to secure hundreds of pounds from a homeowner by saying their tree had injured someone. 

Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk police have warned the public to remain vigilant after the incident in Stowmarket this week.

The caller claimed he was from the council when visiting the property of an elderly homeowner.

He told the homeowner the tree branches overhanging their garden had injured someone and the homeowner would need to pay £700 to have them cut back.

The elderly homeowner let the caller into his house, who then asked for a £50 deposit for the work.

After the homeowner gave him £20, which was all they had, the scammer took the money and left, claiming to be back in a week to undertake the work.

The tree was owned by someone else and not the liability of the homeowner. 

Suffolk County Council Trading Standards have been made aware and are urging people to be alert for similar rogue doorstep callers.

A Suffolk police spokesman said a member of council staff "would never ask for cash or a deposit to do tree work".

Advice on cold callers can be found via their website.