A FAKE police officer who had a set of handcuffs and wore an earpiece told a woman he was 'undercover', real police have revealed.

The bizarre incident happened at a home in Wellington Road, Bournemouth at around 5.30pm on Wednesday.

A man who was not in police uniform knocked on the door of the property. He told the victim he was a police officer and needed to search her property.

The woman asked to see his ID and he replied: "You don't need to see my ID. I'm undercover." The victim then let the man into a communal area but told him she would be calling the police.

At that point, the man left the property.

He is described as white, around 20 years old and dark haired. He was wearing a black jacket and dark trousers and had a bandage on a finger of his left hand.

PC Joe Terry, of Bournemouth police, said: “We would urge anyone with information about this incident or anybody who has experienced anything similar to contact us.

“I would urge residents to be vigilant and not to let anyone into your home if you have any doubts about their identity.

“Our officers will always carry their identification and will be willing to show it if asked. If there is any doubt contact Dorset Police on 101 to check their validity.”

A 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police constable and theft and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190034799.

The incident comes less than three weeks after two fake officers pulled a car over before telling the young female driver she could be fined.