RESIDENTS of a Poole housing estate have been reassured over fears fraudsters were at work in the area.

People living in Merley had become concerned over apparent 'bogus' flyers posted through letterboxes.

However, representatives from Virgin Media have confirmed that the flyers are real and there is no cause for concern.

Rita Webb, 67, contacted the Daily Echo to raise the alert as the leaflets don't feature a Virgin Media logo.

She said hundreds had been distributed in the area, with addresses in Sopwith Crescent, Cockerell Close, Brabazon Road and Hawker Close all receiving the post.

The flyers ask recipients if they are "ready to join the cable revolution".

Wording on the leaflets reads: "The power of choice - in your hands, coming soon to your area, Virgin Media Cable, TV and broadband".

The writing continues: "Joining Virgin Media is simple and hassle free" and "You'll be safe in the knowledge that you're being looked after with the same award winning service the Virgin Mobile customers have been enjoying for years".

Householders were urged to call a local rep, with a phone number issued.

Virgin Media engineers have recently been installing fibre cables in the Merley area.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, reported the flyer to police and Virgin Media.

He claimed he had been told that the flyers were part of a "scam".

"Virgin Media told me it's a scam and they are aware of it," he told the Daily Echo.

"Apparently, you send a text, they ring you back and they get your bank details."

However, officers from Dorset Police have now investigated and are not treating the incident as fraud.

A spokesperson from Virgin Media said the letters were distributed by a local sales agent.

"Occasionally our field sales agents like to post letters from themselves directly as it’s more personal and helps residents know who to contact if they are interested in our services," she said.

"We recognise that this can be confusing."