BRENT Knoll residents are being warned to be aware of door to door tree surgeons working in the area.

They are believed to have gone to Laurel Avenue on May 13 and they are targeting elderly and vulnerable people to cut trees for them at extortionate rates.

PC Esther Lawson said: “There are offences under trading standards and fraud laws that will cover this and any similar matters should be reported to the police.

Please advise vulnerable neighbours if you see such offences in our area, as they are often not aware that they are victims, describing workers as ‘really friendly’ and ‘very nice, helpful man’. If you see a red pick-up with black sides in the area, please call us on 101.”