PEOPLE are advised to be on their guard with cold callers selling seafood.

It follows an incident when an elderly woman bought fish from a doorstep seller for a large sum in Newcastle.

A man came to the door of a 90-year-old woman and she paid for a small amount of fish with a cheque made out for £45.

The cold caller had filled in the cheque details himself, which alerted the woman’s family to the incident and they then contacted police.

Officers are making enquiries and want to make people aware of this issue.

Police also want to remind people to be cautious of people calling at the door unannounced, whether they are selling goods or claim to be from a utility company, local authority or even police.

PC Ben McIntosh said: “Anyone concerned they’ve been the victim of a bogus caller or are faced with a dubious tradesman, is asked to call police.

“Officers will be in Jesmond over the next few days to offer reassurance and advice. Anyone concerned should speak to an officer.”