POLICE have received eight reports in as many days of a man posing as a window cleaner visiting the homes of elderly residents and demanding they pay him for unrequested work.

An 87-year-old woman reported she was tricked into handing over £10 to a man at her home in Coombe Road, Brighton, at 10.15am on Tuesday February 10.

Since then there have been further reports in Coombe Road, Carlyle Avenue, Milner Road, Manor Way and Southall Avenue in the city.

Detective Constable Alex Chaszczewski said: “In each case the man has turned up, claimed he has cleaned the victim's windows and demanded payment.

“When residents have gone back into their homes he has followed them in, sometimes using the excuse that he needed a glass of sugary water as he was a diabetic.

“On a number of occasions he has stolen money before he has left, from victims aged up to 90 and from those with dementia. If you have been visited by the man, or know who he is, please contact us.”

A 29-year-old man from Surrey has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail until April 13.

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.

police.uk quoting serial 624 of 11/02 or call 101.