POLICE are asking members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a conman operating in the county.The same man is believed to have approached elderly people in Great Yarmouth and Fakenham selling fake watches under the pretext of raising funds to buy petrol for an airport run.

POLICE are asking members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a conman operating in the county.

The same man is believed to have approached elderly people in Great Yarmouth and Fakenham selling fake watches under the pretext of raising funds to buy petrol for an airport run.

Between 11am and 11.45am on Friday, a man driving a small black car with a silver stripe down the side was seen in Lancaster Close, Fakenham.

He persuaded an elderly man to buy some 'top quality' watches for �60 telling him he needed cash for petrol money in order to get to Heathrow airport. The watches were subsequently found to be cheap imitations worth around �5 each.

On Barnard Street, Yarmouth, on Wednesday, an elderly man on a mobility scooter was stopped by a man fitting the description.

The conman engaged him in conversation and told him he needed petrol money to get to Gatwick airport.

The victim gave him some petrol money and further money for two watches the man said he had been given as a retirement gift.

The offender is described as in his 60s, with a sallow complexion. At Fakenham he spoke with an Italian accent and was wearing slippers. He remained in his vehicle during both incidents.

Insp Peter Hornby, of North Walsham and Stalham safer neighbourhood team, said: “Bogus operators can seem very genuine and will use any number of sob stories to gain their victim's trust.”

If you have information about any of these incidents or think you may have been approached by this man call police on 0845 4564567.