A BOGUS window cleaner has been targeting elderly people in a village.

Police say the con-man struck twice in Theydon Bois, on Sunday, December 13 at the homes of women in their 80s.

At one address he claimed that he had cleaned the windows and charged £5. But the windows had not been touched.

At a second address he charged £3 but is thought to have taken about £15 by tricking the woman out of change from a £20 note. Again the windows were not cleaned.

Police have urged residents to be vigilant and to call them if they are approached by a stranger claiming to be their window cleaner.

The man involved was white, aged about 40 to 50, about 5ft 10ins tall, and had short dark hair. He was wearing a grey jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Epping police station on 0300 333 4444.