Residents are being warned not to stop and help people who appear to have broken down after a possible petrol scammer tried to target Good Samaritans in Bledlow Ridge.

At about 4.30pm on Sunday, February 15, a man described as Eastern European was allegedly trying to stop passing cars on Chinnor Road, claiming he had run out of petrol and needed to get back to Manchester.

The man then offered a ring and a business card in exchange for money to buy fuel.

It echoes a scam alert issued last year by Surrey Police, who warned of a gang operating in the wider area with the same bogus story. 

In November, a man was stopped in Esher, Surrey and gave the scammers £20 cash, in exchange for three gold rings.

The suspects promised to repay the money and gave the victim a business card, but the rings were worthless and the business card a fake.

It is not known if the two scams involve the same people.

Police say if anything like this happens to you, to get the car registration number, stall the conmen and phone the police from your mobile instantly on 999.

Can everyone be on their guard and report anyone hanging around / anything suspicious to the police on the 101 number.

Princes Risborough Neighbourhood Team has advised drivers not to stop or hand over money if someone appears to have broken down, but to call the police, who will attend the scene and assist if necessary.