Police have urged residents to remain vigilant after a man knocked on a door pretending to be a Met officer.

The incident took place in Tomswood Hill, Barkingside, last Monday, when an unidentified man attended a residential property in the road.

He told the homeowner he was a police officer, showing them a form of identification that he claimed was a warrant card.

He then also provided a name, which was that of a serving Environment Agency officer.

Officers from the Met’s East Area Command have now warned the public to check the identification of any callers to their home.

They advised residents to not give personal details before verifying the proof of the person’s identity or not to let them into their homes if they are not satisfied with the information provided.

Any fraudulent attempts to gain access to a property can be reported to Action Fraud by calling: 0300 123 2040.