BOGUS callers attempted to burgle the house of an elderly man by telling him he needed to go out for a flu jab.

Officers were called to the Monkwick Estate in Colchester after a man wearing a lanyard knocked on an elderly man’s door on Thursday, September 22.

The victim refused and the suspect left in a van.

The local doctor's surgery confirmed they do not organise such home visits.

Investigating officer, Pc Wendy Byrne, said: "I believe this was an attempt to get the resident out of his house in order for it to be burgled.

"I would urge the public to stay vigilant regarding potential distraction burglaries and be aware of strangers coming to your door.

"Bogus callers are creative and may give a variety of reasons for trying to gain access to your house, including needing to use the phone or claiming they are from a utility company.

"If someone knocks at your door, always ask for ID before letting them in.

"Don’t feel pressured into letting someone into your home if you have your suspicions. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day.

"Remember to lock the backdoor before opening the front and don’t leave the door open and unattended.”

There is more advice about bogus callers on the Essex Police website.