RESIDENTS of Verwood and Alderholt may be at risk from a distraction burglar who poses as a gardener, police have warned.

Officers with the Verwood Neighbourhood Policing Team have warned of reports of suspicious incidents this month.

Elderly residents have been approached by a man who says he is a gardener and may be able to help with a rat problem in the area.

The man is described as white, of slim build and approximately 5'7'' to 5'10'' tall.

He is in his mid- to late-30s and has short brown hair. During the incidents reported, he was wearing a navy-blue jacket with a fur-lined hood.

Anyone with information is asked to visit dorset.police.uk, or call 999 in an emergency.