Fraud pair posing as fundraisers

Two fraudsters have been targeting people in Telford by claiming to be raising cash for the County Air Ambulance, police said today.

The man and woman in their 50s have been visiting homes and businesses and cheating people out of money by saying they are representing the charity.

Officers from the Cannock neighbourhood policing unit (NPU) in Staffordshire today appealed for information about the couple as part of a fraud investigation.

A spokesman for Staffordshire police said: "Intelligence received has led officers to understand a couple in their 50s have been visiting homes and business premises in the Telford area, purporting to be raising money for the County Air Ambulance.

"We would appeal for anyone who suspects they may have been subject to this scam to contact Constable Andrew Sheasby at Cannock NPU on 08453 302010."

The County Air Ambulance advised people to contact the charity if they had any concerns about fundraisers.

Spokesman Steve Parry said: "We are always grateful to the police authorities for their help in their investigation of fraudulent acts against the charity."

For further information, call the charity on (01384) 241133.