Elderly people in Watford are being warned to beware of a lottery winners' scam operating in the area.

Hertfordshire Police issued an alert following reports of older residents being approached in the town centre by people claiming to have won the lottery but having no identification to cash in the winning ticket.

Officers said potential victims were then being asked to claim the winnings on behalf of the suspect.

However they were told they also had to provide their own cash first as a security against the winnings.

The latest reports of the scam have been in Watford and Hitchin with two males involved in each incident.

Detective Constable Jennifer Stoddart, who is investigating the series, said: “We would really like the elderly, particularly elderly members of the Asian communities, to be on their guard following this series.

“The people carrying out this scam are opportunists and I would urge any member of the public who sees anything suspicious or who may have been approached by anyone stating they have a winning lottery ticket to come forward."

Anyone with information can contact Dc Stoddart on 101 quoting crime reference G1/11/2349 or alternatively Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.