A CONMAN scammed a pensioner out of cash after claiming to be a hospital patient trying to make his way home.

The fraudster has targeted three homes in Benfleet over the last week - even returning to one address after already conning the homeowner out of £20.

On Wednesday, the man knocked on a door in Thundersley Park Road and asked for £20, claiming that he had been discharged from Southend Hospital and needed cash to get home to Bournemouth.

The woman, thought to be in her seventies, handed over the note, feeling sorry for him.

The man then returned to her home on Friday at about 6pm. This time she refused to give him any cash and slammed the door in his face.

It is believed the same man then knocked on the door of a home in nearby Grove Road.

A man matching the same description visited another home in the road at about 5pm on Sunday.

On both occasions he asked for money but the homeowners turned him away.

PC Ian Risden, from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team, urged residents -particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable - to remain vigilant.

He said: “The woman who gave him money felt oppressed.

“This is clearly a scam and the man is targeting residential streets where elderly people live.

“If you care for an elderly relative or friend or if you are in the caring profession please reinforce the message that this is definitely a scam.”

The man is described as white, of thin build, with a very pale face. He is aged between 40 and 50, had short, fair hair and wore a dark jacket.

Mr Risden advised resdidents not to let anybody in unless they are from a service provider and have ID. Cash donations should not be given out on the doorstep.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.