TWO men have been arrested following a suspicious cold calling incident in East Cowes.

A man in his 70s on Sylvan Avenue received a telephone call, stating there were drain problems in his area. Two men visited the victim's home the following day and used camera equipment and a laptop to show him that there was a blockage which would cost £5,000 to repair.

The victim said that he would need to visit his bank and the men agreed to return at 5pm to collect the money.

Two men from Dorset have been arrested on suspicion of several offences including fraud by false representation.

They have been released from custody without charge, but remain under investigation.

Investigating officers have linked this incident with another in the New Forest. A woman was charged over £2,500 for drainage work in Lymington after receiving a cold call at her home on September 3.

Anyone with information about either incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area can contact PC Scott Carine at Newport Police Station by calling 101 quoting 44180335848, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents have been warned to have always check the credentials of unknown callers, never employ cold-calling doorstep traders or engage with cold callers on the phone and consider joining or setting up a No Cold Calling Zone or Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately.

Advice can also be found online.