A bogus workman who calls himself Bob the builder is being sought by Surrey Police for trying to con a pensioner.

The 86-year-old was collecting his pension at the Post Office in The Avenue, Worcester Park, when 'Bob the Builder' walked up and introduced himself, using the name of the children’s TV character.

He claimed to have been involved in ongoing building work being carried out at the man’s house and demanded £460 to pay for goods needed to continue with the job.

The elderly man made his excuses and left, but the suspect followed him home and knocked at the door, again demanding money.

The pensioner invited him in, but 'Bob' quickly left when the homeowner telephoned the builder who had been working on the house.

The bogus builder is described as a white man, around 5ft 9in tall and of a medium or athletic build. He is roughly 50 years old with short, possibly greying hair and was wearing a dark blue baseball cap, black trousers, a black shirt and dark trainers. He is described as being well-spoken, talking quickly and persuasively, but with no discernible accent.

DC Portia Andrews, investigating, said: “Some fraudsters will stop at nothing to get their hands on some easy money, and this man certainly wasn’t giving up easily. In the end though, the victim’s healthy scepticism proved too much for the dodgy builder.”

Officers are now advising residents to always keep suspicious visitors locked out of their homes until being sure of their identity.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers, anonymously and free of charge, on 0800 555 111.