A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after staff at a north Dorset bank contacted police with safeguarding concerns.

The incident in Shaftesbury this afternoon saw officers respond to concerns raised as part of the banking protocol agreement - a safeguarding measure designed to protect elderly or vulnerable people attempting to withdraw large amounts of money "for no apparent reason."

"A local resident was spoken to and safeguarded, whilst a non-local male was arrested on suspicion of fraud," a spokesman for North Dorset Police said.

They added: "In order to safeguard the elderly and/or vulnerable, if a person tries to withdraw a large amount of money for no apparent or suspicious reason, or is accompanied by someone who is clearly not a friend or relative, the bank will contact us via 999.

"We will attend, and treat these calls very seriously.

"This hopefully gives families some reassurance that both the banks and our continued partnership work with them help safeguard those who quite often get targeted by uncaring and unscrupulous persons.

"Over the run up to Christmas look out for your neighbours especially where they may be having work or services done."