RESIDENTS are being warned a type of cold caller known as a 'Nottingham Knocker' has been operating near Worcester.

A man called at a property in The Beeches, Upton-upon-Severn, near Worcester, on Monday afternoon, trying to sell products.

He is described as aged in his late teens, of medium build, 5ft 6inches, with black, curly hair and wearing a black jacket and jeans. He was carrying a black duffle bag.

'Nottingham Knockers' are persistent and pressure people into buying their cleaning products.

Police officers have warned that the sellers are not official no matter what identification they show householders.

People have been warned that if a sales person comes to their door selling any products they should not be persuaded to part with money or for products they do not need or are of poor quality.

People have also been advised to use precautionary measures such as a door chain and to ignore callers if they are unsure who it may be.

To sell on the doorstep, sellers need a valid peddler's certificate and not just identification with the person's photograph on it.

Anyone who spots the doorstep traders should not answer the door to them and report sightings to the non-emergency police number on 101.

Those with information about Monday's incident, should call 101 quoting reference number 0547S 270317.