Three men have been arrested by police in Tameside, suspected of duping an elderly man out of a large amount of cash.

Just after 3pm on Tuesday (14 September), officers received a report raising concerns about an elderly man in Audenshaw who had paid over £100,000 for building work which was poor and incomplete.

Neighbourhood officers attended and spoke to the man, who was due to hand over a further £37,000 for more work later that day before officers arrested three men, aged 35, 28 and 23, on suspicion of fraud by false representation on their return to the 74-year-old man's address.

They have all been released under investigation pending further enquiries, Greater Manchester Police has said. 

Officers searched the addresses of those arrested and seized a vehicle and a number of luxury items, including a Gucci bag worth over £1,600, as enquiries continue.

Inspector Abed Hussain, from GMP's Tameside district, said: "This appears to be a case where an elderly man who lives alone has been taken advantage of and thankfully, our officers stepped in before more money was taken.

"Officers in the district are investigating and Trading Standards have also been informed but these arrests serve as a reminder that we will take action." 

Anyone who has any concerns about anyone they believe to be vulnerable and taken advantage of can speak to Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 or report it online to GMP at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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