TWO men from Dorset have been arrested after an elderly woman was charged £2,500 for drainage work.

Police warned householders to beware of cold callers after the pensioner was conned.

Following an approach from a company offering to inspect the victim’s drains, men arrived at her home in St Thomas Park, Lymington, on Monday, September 3.

A police spokesman said: "They used a camera to obtain images of her drains and stayed for about two and a half hours to do the work they said was needed.

"The victim then used her bank card to pay a bill of £2,514."

Officers believe it amounted to fraud by false representation.

On Tuesday, September 4, a man in his 70s who lives in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight was also cold called. The caller said there were drainage problems in the area.

Two men then visited his home and used camera equipment and a laptop to show him a blockage, which they said would cost £5,000 to repair.

The victim said that he would need to visit his bank and the men agreed to return at 5pm to collect the money.

Police say the incidents are linked.

Two men from Dorset have now been arrested on suspicion of offences including fraud by false representation. They have been released from custody without charge, but remain under investigation.