THE Metropolitan Police have sparked confusion in Wanstead after launching a publicity drive for a six-month old scheme.

As the Guardian reported in November, officers at Wanstead Police station have offered to give escorts to any elderly people wanting to withdraw money from cash machines in the area in an attempt to ease fears about muggings.

By calling a special number, vulnerable residents can request an officer meets them, protects them while they withdraw any cash and then walk or travel home with them afterwards.

The project was promoted by local police at the time, but Scotland Yard have only decided now to publicise it on a mass-scale, leading to coverage today on national outlets such as Sky, ITV and the BBC.

The widespread coverage has led to confusion from some residents, but Redbridge Police have assured residents nothing about the scheme has changed.

Scotland Yard have been unable to explain why they chose to wait half a year to promote the scheme.

Any elderly residents who would like an escort should call police on 8721 2561 for more information.