POLICE have issued a warning for elderly residents in Minehead after ‘aggressive’ rogue traders/doorstep callers targeted a property during last week.

The incident happened in Parkhouse Road at about 3 pm on Wednesday, February 25.

A man described as about 50 years of age knocked on a door of a home in the street claiming there was an issue with a tree on the garden boundary.

Police said the man’s ‘pushy and insistent manner’ resulted in the residents reluctantly agreeing to let him complete the supposed work.

The man later returned for payment and forced his way into the home, pushing past the residents.

As he did so, two younger male accomplices stayed waiting outside the property.

A dispute over payment then followed, during which the residents felt pressured and intimidated into handing over additional money before the man left.

The man who forced his way into the home was described as having short dark hair and wearing a white T-shirt.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said police advice for residents was:

• Do not agree to work from unexpected doorstep callers

• Do not allow unknown individuals into your home

• Do not hand over money or bank details to unsolicited callers

• Always use trusted, pre-vetted traders, preferably recommended by friends or family or listed on approved trader schemes

• If you feel pressured or unsafe, close the door immediately and call 999

• For suspicious activity or concerns about rogue traders, call 101 or use the police online service

A similar police warning was issued at Easter last year when a homeowner in South Park, which joins Parkhouse Road, was targeted by two men offering to cut down some overhanging branches on the property for £350.

The men eventually persuaded the owner to sign a blank cheque, although they were not able to cash it.