FRAUDSTERS who attempted to con an elderly couple out of thousands of pounds by faking a leak in their roof are sought by Malmesbury Police.

The victims from Milbourne realised they were being tricked and made the trio leave empty-handed.

They were targeted at about 4.30pm on Saturday by the men who claimed to be from an insurance company and investigating a leak.

Sgt Martin Alvis said: “They gained access to the loft space and made a hole in the ceiling putting some water around the hole making out that this was a water leak.

“They then asked for £6,000 to repair it, reducing it to £5,000. Thankfully the occupants were alert to this and got the men to leave. The couple also kept an eye on the men while they were in their house resulting in them leaving empty handed.”

He said the men were described as white, aged 35 to 45, with one of stocky build and the other medium. They were wearing dark clothes and were clean shaven.

Anyone with information or who has been approached by a similar group of men is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.