RESIDENTS have been warned to be on their guard following reports of a bogus caller targeting a woman's home in Redcar pretending to be a firefighter.

The incident happened on Wykeham Close in Redcar on Saturday, November 24, when a man attended a property and told the victim that the Fire Brigade were conducting smoke alarm checks in the area.

The woman let him into the home and upon gaining entry, he told her that he had been released from prison the previous day and produced a pair of gloves from a bag, asking for £25 for them.

The man refused to leave the address and behaved aggressively. He remained at the property for around an hour before leaving after he was given £10.

The suspect is described as approximately 35-years-old, of big build, tall with dark hair that was receding at the front and back.

Officers would remind members of the public that if an unexpected caller comes to their door, to ask for identification and if unsure, to call the organisation that the person purports to be from to be sure that they are genuine.

Anyone who may have information should contact Cleveland Police on 101.