A man falsely claiming to be from a window cleaning company took money from homeowners before being arrested on suspicion of fraud, police said.

The man was reported to police after knocking doors in the Whickham and Sunniside areas of Gateshead and taking money from residents.

He is said to have been claiming he was from a window cleaning company, and was taking money for windows being cleaned.

But it later emerged the 37-year-old man was not an employee of the company he was claiming to work for.

Officers have since arrested him on suspicion of fraud and he remains in police custody. Any witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV or doorbell footage is being asked to contact police.

Northumbria Police have since issued a warning to homeowners over cold callers as they investigate the incident.

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A force spokesperson said: “Police are reminding residents to be vigilant and advising them not to hand over money to anyone who they do not recognise.

“Should members of the public be suspicious of callers, don’t be afraid to ask for identification. 

“Anyone with information regarding this incident should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240317-0385.”