POLICE are warning elderly householders to beware a bizarre con trick in which they are offered free fitted carpets, only to be intimidated later into paying for them.

Last Tuesday afternoon, a 68-year-old Matchborough woman was approached by two men who tricked their way into her home after offering her free carpets.

They said they were free because the elderly "deserved" them and actually did fit two carpets for the woman.

But they then intimidated her into offering to pay for them, the police said.

The first is described as a middle-aged white man, of slim build with receding short brown hair.

The second was a white man in his mid-20s and resembled Elvis Presley. He was wearing a black anorak.

They left the area in an old mid-blue transit van.

A force spokesman said: "We have been told about other incidents of a similar nature in the area and we would like to hear from anyone else who feels they may have been a victim.

"We would also like to remind people, especially the elderly, not to allow uninvited callers into their homes and to always ask for proof of identity for those with an appointment."

Anyone with information is asked to call Redditch police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.