A fraudster has been visiting addresses in Shefford with a young girl, purporting to be selling tickets for a school raffle.

Police are warning people to be vigilant and not to be fooled by the woman, who falsely tells householders her ‘raffle’ is connected to Shefford Lower School.

PC Charlotte Norris said: “We’ve been alerted to this scam and we are currently investigating.

“We’ve been assured by the school that this is not a genuine raffle, so we’d urge members of the public not to buy any tickets and to call us if they experience someone claiming to be selling tickets for one.

“We’d also remind people to be cautious in general when it comes to door to door callers.

“Always ask for their official ID and if in doubt, don’t hand over any money.

“We’d also remind people never to invite strangers into their house.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Norris through the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference JD/5655/2016.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.