THREE men have been arrested after reports of rogue traders operating in Southampton.

Police have urged residents to be wary of doorstep callers after the incident at a home in Burgess Road.

They say a man in his sixties was approached at his house at about 2.20pm on Wednesday by two men.

They said he needed some work on his roof and quoted him around £6,000 before removing some tiles.

The occupier of the house then handed over £3,000 of his life savings he had withdrawn from his bank, before the men left his home without completing the work, saying they would return the following day.

Officers have arrested three men in connection with the incident – a 26-year-old from Berkshire, a 24-year-old from Buckinghamshire and a 24-year-old from Southampton.

All three remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: “Vulnerable or older people are often targeted with this type of organised criminal activity.

“We tend to see an increase in reports of rogue traders in the warmer weather.

“Please make older or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours aware of this crime.

“Do not hand over cash to doorstep traders. A reputable company would not operate in this way.”