Residents warned about bogus roofer who preys on vulnerable

A couple in their eighties have fallen victim to a cruel conman who has stolen £6,000 of their savings according to their neighbour.

She said the bogus roofer called at the octogenarians' house near Gunnersbury Park on Friday 14th January and told the couple that he'd been doing some work next door but noticed that they had loose tiles.

The man spent half an hour up the ladder before making the elderly lady go out in the rain to get £6,000, in cash from the bank.

''These people are the scum of the earth, preying on the weak and vulnerable," said their neighbour.

The police have been notified.

The man is described as being in his 40s, medium height and build, straight dark hair; apparently, he had an Irish accent. Driving a white estate-type car with roof rack holding ladders.

Please contact police if you have any information about this incident.

17 January 2011