An alert bank employee has foiled an attempt by conmen to get an elderly Ipswich woman to withdraw £1,000 of savings to give to them.

The woman, who lives in north Ipswich, was targeted when two men came to her home last Thursday afternoon and said work needed to be done on her roof.

The men involved were believed to be aged around 30.

The vulnerable victim said one of the men pushed their way into her home, while the other went around to the rear of the property.

They told the woman work needed doing to the roof and it would cost £2,000.

The woman said she felt pressured, overwhelmed, and that she had no control over the situation.

When she told the men she would go to the bank to get some money they said when she got there she should tell the cashier the withdrawal was for personal reasons.

The rogue traders insisted she did not tell staff about them.

However, the cashier was suspicious and police were called.

It is understood the woman was not the only person in the road where she lives to be approached.

Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Police were contacted around 2.20pm on Thursday, March 31, to reports that a woman had been into an Ipswich bank and attempted to withdraw a large amount of cash.

“Bank staff had become suspicious and alerted police.

“It became apparent that she had been asked to pay for work on her property and officers are currently investigating this as a possible case of fraud.

“There are ongoing enquiries and police are asking anyone who may have information to call Suffolk Police on 101 quoting CAD 206 of Thursday, March 31.

“Officers are also warning residents to be alert and to get several quotes from reputable companies before you agree to having any work completed.”

Police work closely with Trading Standards around rogue traders and bogus callers.

For further advice log on to www.suffolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/homesecurity/roguetraders.aspx