FIREFIGHTERS are warning Watford residents to be on the lookout for bogus callers posing as fire officers after an incident in the Watford area.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue has issued the warning after an elderly lady in Watford answered her door to two young men and a boy who claimed they were going to fit a smoke detector for her on Thursday, February 14.

The homeowner told the callers that she did not want them to fit the smoke detector and they left.

The fire service is urging people to be vigilant when answering the door to people. If they are unsure they should ask for identity cards.

Spokesman for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Samantha Jones said: "We would not send a group of firefighters to an elderly person's home at night without a previously arranged appointment.

"We are extremely concerned about this incident. Obviously we do call at homes to fit smoke detectors, but we certainly would not do it in this manner.

"People should look for firefighters with our crest on the uniform and obviously a fire engine or fire service van should not be too far away."

Anyone with information on bogus callers can contact police.