Detectives have issued an urgent warning to residents across Essex following a sudden surge in phone calls by fraudsters posing as police officers or bank officials.

A number of homes in the Grays, South Ockendon and Brentwood areas were targeted yesterday but fortunately money wasn’t taken and the attempts were reported to the police.

The incidents are the latest in a series of crimes in which mainly elderly people are targeted and tricked into revealing their bank details or handing over large sums of cash.

Dc Nina Fletcher of Loughton CID said: "We had a number of incidents reported in the last 24 hours. Fortunately none of these frauds were successful but we would like to remind people to be on their guard.

"Police would never ask you for your bank details or ask you to transfer or withdraw funds. If you do receive calls like these do not fall for their claims and just put the phone down immediately and call police on 101.”

It does tend to be the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted by the offenders, Essex Police is asking people to please share the following advice with elderly neighbours and relatives.

*If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101.

Remember to use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender.

Please also remember that your bank and the police would:

• NEVER ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone.

• NEVER ask you to withdraw money and send it to them.

• NEVER ask you to send them your bank cards or any other personal property.