Five people have been arrested after residents reported handing over thousands of pounds to individuals claiming to have cleaned gutters and replaced roof tiles in Stoke-on-Trent.

A 61-year-old man, a 34-year-old man, a 26-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, all of St Helen's in Merseyside, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences following the reports from residents in Fenton.

It comes after Staffordshire Police officers were called on Tuesday (10 March) after a man reported handing over £700 to a group of men who knocked his door, on Smithpool Road, claiming that his gutters needed cleaning.

The men allegedly left the scene before returning and entering the property, looking around the rooms and demanding the cash before leaving the scene.

Following a social media appeal from the police, further victims came forward and made reports of similar incidents.

Officers were called at 4pm on Wednesday (11 March) to a property off Bassilow Road, as a resident said they had answered the door on Monday (9 March) to four men who claimed to have replaced a roof tile.

The resident allegedly handed over £2,500 in cash to make the men leave the property.

The report followed another reported incident on Monday (9 March), at a property off Vivian Road.

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A resident reported that a group of men had spoken to her on her doorstep about her gutters and roof, before taking her phone and transferring £800 from her bank account to their own. She has since reported the incident to the bank.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We took immediate action and treating the incidents as linked, carried out inquiries locally including reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage."

The 61-year-old and 23-year-old were each arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and burglary of a dwelling with intent to steal.

The 36-year-old was arrested on suspicion of aiding or abetting fraud by false representation, and both the 26-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

They have each been released on conditional police bail while inquiries continue.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police added: "We are keen to speak to anyone who has had a similar experience in the area and would urge anyone with relevant information to get in touch.

"Anyone concerned about this type of suspicious activity should: never answer the door to people you don't know or aren't expecting; always check ID; and take time to make a phone call to official agencies or relatives to help. Call 999 in an emergency. Remember: look, check, call."

Staffordshire Police has urged anyone with relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to call them on 101 quoting incident number 910 of 10 March or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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More advice can be found on the Staffordshire Police website here.