Two fraudsters claiming to be builders tried to swindle a Dagenham woman out of money for roofing “repairs”.

https://twitter.com/MPSBarkDag/status/953232529728909312

The Metropolitan Police said a man in his early 30s approached the woman’s home in Gale Street early on Saturday evening.

The suspect allegedly told her she had “a hairline crack” in her roof and asked for a £500 deposit to complete the work.

After she told him she did not have the money, he claimed he would get a loan for her and returned a few hours later with another male, described as a slim man in his early 50s.

She said both men, who were not known to the woman, appeared to be looking around the house whilst standing in the hallway.

The first man is described as slim with “pushed black hair”. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a smart, black jacket.

The second, who spoke with an Irish accent, reportedly wore a t-shirt and looked “dirty”.

To report an incident to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, call 0300 123 2040.