POLICE have again warned residents to be on their guard after bogus callers tried to trick their way into people's homes in York.

An elderly woman called police after a man tried to bluff his way into her home in Carr Lane.

He claimed to be from the council and said he had come to repair guttering and windows.

He had no identification and the woman refused to let him in. The man was said to be short, had an Irish accent and was wearing a woolly hat. He was driving a small white van.

In another incident a man was telephoned at his home in York by someone claiming to be from Yorkshire Water.

The caller said they needed to arrange a date to visit the man to take three samples of water from his kitchen sink to test the quality.

A check with Yorkshire Water revealed the company had made no such call.

Anyone with information on either incident should call police in York on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:18 Saturday, February 16, 2002