People are being warned about con men tricking elderly people out of their heirlooms and antiques for a fraction of their actual price.

Police have urged residents to be on their guard after the return of cold callers, who have been referred to as the 'Brighton Knockers'.

Officers have had reports of smartly dressed, well spoken cold-callers trying to dupe older residents out of their antiques for a low price and then pocketing the profits.

Detective Sergeant Gerri Mannion of Harrow CID has called for anyone who comes in to contact with an antiques dealer via cold-calling or receives a leaflet through their door to contact police.

In some cases people may be given a business card from an antique dealer with a business address in the Sussex area.

People who have elderly neighbours or elderly relatives are being asked by police to warn them about the issue.