A MAN accused of pretending to be a police officer to con a Bournemouth couple out of £1 million has appeared in the dock.

Mohammed Arshad Ajmal allegedly defrauded a couple in their 70s out of the cash on dates between August 14 and October 29 last year.

He then attempted to convert the cash into gold bullion, prosecutors claim.

The defendant, 39, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He has not entered pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, attempting to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property and obstructing a police officer.

Ajmal, of Colvin Gardens, Ilford, London, was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 12.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the complainants were reportedly left with just £187 they were allegedly repeatedly manipulated.

It is alleged they were contacted by a man who claimed to be a police officer and told them their bank account and funds were at risk.

Prosecutors allege the complainants were talked into moving their money into a 'safe place'.