POLICE have issued a warning after bogus traders duped an elderly resident out of £2,000 for cutting down a small tree.

Strangers knocked on the door of an 80-year-old resident off Ditchfield Road in Widnes offering to do some work.

The occupant asked them to ‘lop’ off a small tree.

When the resident’s family checked bank statements, they discovered that more than £2,000 had been taken from the account on the same day.

A spokesman for Widnes police posted on social media: “We really don’t like seeing these incidents at all.

“If you have any residents, whether they be friends, family or neighbours, especially those more vulnerable, please speak with them about the need to not engage in any conversations with cold callers.

“While these people are still taking ‘fees’ off vulnerable adults they will continue with these methods.”

The incident happened on July 8.

Anyone with information about similar incidents should call Cheshire Police on 101.