Police say several ‘Nottingham Knockers’ were trying to sell items door to door in Beaconsfield last night.

‘Nottingham Knockers’ traditionally come from the Nottingham area and try to sell items like dusters, cloths or tea towels, but the sellers could be from anywhere.

In August, three doorstep sellers were stopped by officers in Ledborough Woods, Walkwood Ride and Burkes Road.

Sergeant Lucy Price, of Beaconsfield local policing team, said several males were reported to have been going door to door in the Wilton Road area on Wednesday night.

They were reported to have been flashing ID at the homeowner and ignoring cold caller stickers and Sgt Price said many residents may find them ‘intimidating and are pressurised into buying items’.

Door to door sellers require a permit, but Sgt Price urged residents to call the police if they encounter a ‘Nottingham Knocker’.

Posting a warning on the Thames Valley Alert system, she said: “Regardless of whether they show you a permit, real or not, I would like you to call the police. You do not need to tell them you are calling the police. Just say 'no thanks' or don't answer the door, and call us on 101.

“We will then come out and do the rest. We take all of their details, check them out and will deal with any offences.”