A PENSIONER was targeted by a doorstep caller who persuaded him to part with hundreds of pounds in exchange for poor-quality clothing.

The caller visited the 82-year-old victim, at his bungalow in Quebec, near Lanchester, at around midday on Wednesday.

He persuaded the pensioner to part with around £400 in exchange for the clothing before leaving the area in a grey Toyota Avensis car.

Quick-thinking neighbours made a note of the vehicle’s registration and the following day officers from Durham, assisted by colleagues from Cleveland Police arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of fraud, at his home address in Nunthorpe.

A Toyota Avensis was also seized from the address and is being subjected to a forensic examination.

After being taken to Bishop Auckland police station for questioning the man was released on police bail until early December.

Detective Sergeant Andy Phillips said: “I would like to thank the residents who acted promptly and passed on valuable information.

“If anyone else in the area has been visited at home recently by someone trying to sell them clothing we would be keen to hear from them.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and speak to the Serious Crime Team at Consett.