POLICE are warning the elderly to be on their guard against a saleswoman who is using hard-line tactics to get business.

Durham City police are concerned about the high pressure sales techniques adopted by the caller, after receiving two complaints from pensioners in Chester-le-Street.

The woman is said to have called at their homes and then pressurised them into signing contracts to buy gas, electricity and telephone lines from a national company.

On one occasion she claimed to be from council-run Careline.

Sergeant Max Newby, from Durham City's community safety department, said: "We're very concerned at the tactics being used by this canvasser to persuade elderly people to sign up for utilities. It would seem she has been operating in the Garden Farm estate area during the past week.

"We would urge householders to contact us if they feel threatened or intimidated by people calling at their door."

Elderly residents who do not want to deal directly with people calling at their homes can gain details of a "Nominated Neighbour" scheme from Sgt Newby on 0191-375 2823.

To contact Durham City police station, ring 0191-386 4222.