Trading standards officers have issued an alert over bogus tree surgeons operating in the Ashford and Minster areas.

It follows two incidents where officers were alerted to two men in their 20s pressured residents on their doorstep to get work done.

In Ashford a resident reported being pressured after the men claimed a tree in the back garden had a fungal infection and had to removed.

Meanwhile in Minster where two men pressured an elderly resident to cut down bushes after claiming to have carried out work for a neighbour.

But the duo fled when they saw a neighbour on the telephone. The first man is described as 5ft 5in tall with short dark hair and stubble. He was wearing blue jeans and scruffy appearance. He was described as being very abrupt, confrontational and did all the talking.

Meanwhile the second man is described as 6ft 2in tall with short light brown hair, cleanly shaven, wearing a checked shirt, turned up jeans and black boots. They were seen getting into a blue Nissan transit van.

KCC said residents can collect a No Doorstep Caller Sticker from their local community warden, and should report any suspicious doorstep callers by calling 03454 040506.