An appeal has been launched to help catch a fraudsters in Lewisham who conned an elderly couple out of thousands of pounds.

The couple, who live in Forest Hill, were visited by men posing as builders stating that they needed urgent roof repairs.

Between April 25 and 30 seven men came and went from the property without carrying out any building work.

One fraudster did however take the husband to the bank to withdraw money while others remained at the property with his wife.

The couple paid out more than £9,000 during the con.

DC Samantha Oram, from Lewisham CID, said: “This was a callous fraud perpetrated on two vulnerable members of the community.

“These fraudsters deliberately and systematically targeted the couple and we need the public’s help to catch them before they target other vulnerable members of our community.”

Police said the men drove a white van with black writing saying “Roofing and Guttering” on the side.

The vehicle the fraudsters drove had a number plate that did not appear to be a standard British one, partially reading 69-D-7 or 96-D-7.

One of the victims spoke to a woman on the phone who claimed to be from “Star Roofing”.

Officers from Lewisham CID are investigating and are asking anyone with information to call Lewisham CID via 101 or tweet @metCC.

For crime prevention advice visit the Met’s website.