Elderly residents could be targeted by phone fraudsters pretending to be police officers, Greenwich police have warned.

The scam involves a phone call to the victim to tell them that the police have someone in custody with their bank details.

The victim is then told to call their bank to tell them they have been a victim of fraud but the con artists attempt to remain on the line to impersonate bank staff and gather personal information.

Police are issuing the warning after three unsuccessful attempts to carry out the scam were reported to Greenwich CID on Thursday, 18 May.

In all three cases, the elderly people targeted recognised the scam and did not disclose their bank details.

Detectives from Greenwich CID continue to investigate the three reported cases. There have been no arrests at this stage.

Superintendent Lee Hill of Greenwich police said: "By sharing information such as this, we can continue to defeat these callous criminals.

"People should be aware that the police would never ask you for your bank details over the phone, nor for your PIN or bank cards.

"We would urge people to be vigilant at all times so they can avoid falling victim to a similar scam. Any suspicions should be reported to the police."

Anyone who has received such a call should report this by calling 101 or on Twitter via @MetCC.

Anyone with information about those responsible can call Greenwich CID on 07825 273811 or tweet @MPSGreenwich