Fake fire officials flee after challenge

HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned about bogus callers who may be posing as fire service officials.

Two men tried to gain access to the home of a Thurcroft woman after claiming that they were making a follow-up visit.

They called around an hour after a genuine visit from Maltby firefighters who fitted smoke alarms at the property.

The two men, who were wearing jogging bottoms, were challenged to produce identification.

They then left claiming they would be going to their van for paperwork, but never returned to the house. 

Maltby station manager Mark Scott said: "It is possible that bogus officials have followed one of our fire crews while they were attending scheduled appointments.

"We would like to make people aware that our firefighters and community safety teams only carry out home visits that are prearranged with the resident and they will always carry official South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue identification cards."