Residents have been warned after police received reports of a suspicious man offering to clean gutters in Biddulph.

Police say the man has been knocking on doors in the town asking people if they want their gutters cleaned.

However, he then reportedly charges far more for the work than the initial price quoted.

Police have now asked residents to contact them if they see this man.

PCSO Sara Staples, of Staffordshire Police's Moorlands team, said last week: "We have had reports of a male knocking on doors in the Biddulph area offering to clear gutters for £35.

"He then produces a birds nest and charges the resident over £200 for the job.

"The description we have is of an older male with an Irish accent, wearing a flat cap and a mole on one of his cheeks, he is driving a white flatbed van.

"If you do see this male please call quoting ref: 352 13-10-2020."

Residents who say they have recently been on the receiving end of similar encounters have also spoken about their experiences.

One discussed a similar incident involving work on a conifer tree, saying: "Beware: three white males pretending to be tree surgeons!

"One was pestering an elderly lady about having her conifer lowered - quoted £150.

"The conifer is actually growing in her neighbour's garden. They didn't go to that property as one of them was too busy swearing at me for being nosey."

Another also described a similar guttering incident, saying: "This was In Gillow Heath about 20 minutes ago.

"I earlier on in the week I've seen a lady almost get ripped off with someone trying to say they have cleaned her guttering out when they hadn't.

"I've just checked on my elderly neighbours as someone has just been trying to ask my elderly neighbour about gardening and gutters.

"I've went over towards my next door neighbours and told them they were in a no cold call area and they need to leave the area.

"People please be vigilant and look out for your elderly neighbours."