A vulnerable resident has been conned out of £35,000 of his lifesavings by a rogue trader.

The Wallington homeowner fell victim to the conman in April when the caller offered to repair a leaking gutter.

The resident was persuaded he needed extensive repairs to his roof, but after paying the conman no work was started and no notice of cancellation was provided.

A surveyor on behalf of the council later confirmed that most of the work was not needed.

Sutton Trading Standards are now investigating the incident.

Sutton Council deputy leader Councillor Colin Hall said residents could look for reputable workmen through the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme.

He said: “The depths rogue traders will stoop to when preying on vulnerable residents are truly shocking.

“An investigation is under way and in cases such as this we will not hesitate to prosecute.

“If you do need work in the home, for real peace of mind you can find a list of reputable tradespeople in the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme.”

For details on the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme visit sutton.gov.uk or call 0208 770 5070.