BOGUS roofers have been targeting residents in Selby.

North Yorkshire Police have received two reports in the last week of elderly residents, both in their eighties, being targeted by a man who claimed to have seen a bird fly into their roof.

He then offered to go into the loft, free the bird and check for damage.

A police spokesman said the man then offered to repair damage to the roof, which he had caused, at an inflated price.

Sergeant Matt Foale, of Selby police, warned people not to answer their door to cold callers, and never allow them into your home.

“We also ask relatives, friends and neighbours to reassure older people that it is not impolite to say no to callers and to refuse to answer their door if they do not know who is calling.”

Sgt Foale said genuine callers would understand if people asked to see their identification which should always be checked before letting anyone in.