A “bogus” estate agent is conning unsuspecting house hunters out of thousands of pounds by pretending to sell a home which is not on the market, detectives have warned.

The “devastating” online scam tricked at least seven people into handing over money to a man who said he worked as an estate agent for 'Red Bricks Estate' before the victims later realised they had been swindled when they were unable to move in to the property in Slough.

Thames Valley Police believe up to 17 families or individuals were targeted across south Bucks and Slough with other victims possibly coming from as far as London.

Officers are now appealing for anyone else who may have been defrauded to come forward.

Case investigator Kevin Clingham said: "This scam has had a devastating impact on so many people and their families as they were promised a rental property in Slough which never materialised.

“Instead, they lost thousands of pounds by making upfront payments to a man they trusted to be an estate agent.”

The victims initially made contact with the man after seeing an advertisement online in relation to renting a flat in London Road, Slough.

They then met the ‘estate agent’ at an address in Burnham, where they paid deposits, admin fees and the first month's rent.

Some were shown around the property in Slough and all were promised a date for moving in towards the beginning of April.

However, it soon became apparent to the victims that they had been scammed as they arrived at the flat but were unable to move in.

Mr Clingham said: "Working with Slough Borough Council, we have been able to identify some of our victims as they rendered themselves homeless as a consequence of being scammed, with some being temporarily accommodated since.

"Through our inquiries, we know that there are other victims of this scam who have not yet contacted us.

“This could be as many as 17 families or individuals.

"I believe that there are victims of this scam living in areas of London, not just Thames Valley, so I would urge for these people to come forward to as a matter of urgency.

"As part of our on-going investigation, we are liaising with Action Fraud and other agencies.”

He added: "I would like to reassure residents and victims that we are doing all we can to progress our investigation and to track down this bogus estate agent who is responsible for committing such despicable crimes."

If you are a victim of this scam and have not yet contacted police, or have any information which could assist police, call 101 quoting 43160096940.