A gang of conmen posing as tree surgeons are believed to be targeting elderly residents across south Essex to fleece them of cash.

Police are aware of three incidents in Benfleet and Southend where a group of men have offered tree surgery services, carried out work and then demanded disproportionate fees.

Victims then reported being taken to the bank by one of the gang to withdraw the large sums of cash.

These incidents are believed to have taken place between November 9 and 16.

The same gang of conmen are then believed to have targeted a home on Canvey on November 14.

Tens of thousands of pounds was stolen from a safe after a man claiming to be doing work at a neighbours said he needed access to the garden.

The thief then sneaked inside the home and stole the cash.

Police are treating all four incidents as linked and have declined to reveal road names to protect the vulnerable victims.

Four men, aged 39, 49, 38, 22 and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released under investigation.

Det Insp Anna Granger, from Basildon CID, said: “We want to reassure people that our enquiries are progressing, however, it appears that the victims were targeted because they were perceived to be elderly and vulnerable.

“We now believe these four incidents may be linked.

“We don’t wish to cause undue concern, but if you have elderly relatives or neighbours living alone, or perhaps have parents or grandparents who may live together but you think may be vulnerable, please alert them.

“Elderly relatives or neighbours don’t always use social media and may not be online, so we’re asking you to be our messengers for this.

“We believe this group have leafleted advertising tree surgery services, so we would ask you to tell them about this, and help them check the legitimacy of any company they may be considering hiring.

“If you have any information which you think could help enquiries, please get in touch straight away.”

Anyone with information can contact Basildon CID on 101.