A conman who delivered an “Oscar-winning” performance on the doorstep of a Whitstable pensioner is being hunted by police.

Grandfather-of-two Bob Ulldemolins, 73, was taken in by the fraudulent cold caller, who pleaded for a train fare home to see his premature baby.

Kind-hearted Bob, of Tollgate Close, handed over £10, but later realised he had been duped.

“I got so sucked into it,” he said. “His performance ought to get an Oscar.

“He asked for £5 but because his story was so convincing I actually gave him £10.

“I am not a pushover. I have spent 70 years working in the building game where you come across all sorts, but because I have kids myself I know what it’s like.

“He was so convincing.”

The suspect, described as about 18 years old, called himself Samuel and asked to borrow £5 for the train fare to Ashford.

Police inquiries have revealed he has also conned other people out of money using the same false story.

Bob, a retired sub-contractor, said: “He said he had just come from work, had a uniform and he had an answer for everything.

“I put it down as a blow for me and it’s disappointing young people are doing that.

“It doesn’t bother me, it’s just the fact that he is doing it to lots of other people.

“I got so sucked into it. His performance ought to get an Oscar" - Bob Ulldemolins

“Unfortunately it’s the older people who are not on Facebook and Twitter who don’t know what is going on in the town.”

Police spokesman Jon Green says inquiries are ongoing.

He said: “The suspect is described as a man around 18 years old with short, cropped hair and was wearing a black uniform.

“Anyone who can help is asked to contact Kent Police on 101.

“Residents are advised not to hand any money over to strangers approaching homes or businesses and to report anything suspicious to Kent Police on 101.

"Genuine charity collectors should be able to provide ID.”