TELEPHONE scammers pretending to be police officers have been targeted elderly residents in Williton and Minehead to steal money.

Police are asking children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to make their loved ones aware of the issue.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "The offenders are calling and pretending to be police officers. The scammers claim that the person they are calling has been a victim of fraud and asking for their bank details in order to withdraw money to 'protect them from fraudsters'.

"If you have older relatives in Minehead and Williton, or you can think of a neighbour in your community who could be vulnerable to telephone scammers then have a chat with them and make them aware that a genuine police officer would never call about bank accounts and ask for personal bank details over the phone."

Anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious in their communities to call the police on 101 and report it immediately.