KENT Police say care workers intervened when builders tried to con an 84-year-old man out of thousands of pounds by claiming that his garage roof was illegal.

Meals on wheels staff discovered two workmen on the garage roof at a house belonging to a vulnerable man in Valkyrie Road, Whitstable.

The victim had been cold called by the builders who claimed that the garage roof was illegal as it contained asbestos and needed to be replaced at a cost of £9,000.

Police took details of the builders concerned and are investigating the incident to see if any charges can be brought against the men. A cheque that had been signed by the victim has now been cancelled. The incident happened on November 7.

Police spokesman Michael Ivatt said: “Luckily, the care workers were able to warn the family and we were able to get involved saving this man a considerable amount of money.

"Elderly people need to be reassured that they do not have to be pressured into having work done by strangers who knock at the door.”