Bogus workmen target pensioner with 'despicable' con

Police in the Scottish Borders are appealing for the public's help as part of an ongoing investigation into a bogus workmen incident in Innerleithen.

At around 1:30pm on Wednesday 29 November three men attended a house claiming the property required extensive repairs to the roof and guttering.

They quoted the resident, a woman in her seventies, a four-figure sum then offered her a discount to go ahead with the sale before demanding the money upfront.

She handed over a three-figure sum of cash and the men offered to drive her to the bank to withdraw the rest of the money.

The woman attended a bank in Peebles to withdraw the cash, at which point staff became concerned and contacted police.

The first suspect is described as being around 30, of heavier build, with dark hair, a beard/facial hair and wearing dark clothing.

The second suspect is described as also being around 30, 5ft 10ins tall, slim but well-built, with black wavy hair, and wearing a black jacket and black overalls with orange detail on the bottom of each leg.

The third suspect is described as in his thirties, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, with fair hair, wearing a green body warmer.

They are believed to have been travelling in a blue transit-type flatbed truck which had no front number plate, an aluminium roof ladder which was angled over the cab and a yellow band on the flatbed.