Vulnerable residents in Essex are being warned about a phone-scam involving a woman posing as a police officer.

The fraudster, calling herself Sarah, claims to be calling from Basildon police station.

During conversations with three people last week, the woman said she would need to visit their homes as part of an investigation.

All three people rejected the request and called police.

The latest phone scam is not currently being linked to similar incidents incolving bogus police officers who tricked their victims into handing over bank cards or large amounts of cash.

Victims of similar scams in Epping Forest have handed over tens of thousands of pounds in the last 18 months.