A DOOR-TO-DOOR salesman, who has been targeting unsuspecting residents in an attempt to buy gold from them, has been masquerading as an employee of Cheshire Gold Exchange in Stockton Heath.

The owner of the company on London Road, John Gregson, has issued a warning to residents that anyone claiming to be from the business while carrying out door-to-door sales is a fraud.

He said: "I just want to let people know that this is not something I would do.

"I would never dream of knocking on people's doors and trying to intimidate them into selling their gold."

Mr Gregson was shocked to discover that a man had been knocking on the doors of homes on Loushers Lane at lunchtime yesterday.

He was wearing a checked shirt and smart trousers and was described as around 5ft 7'' with blond hair and in his late 40s, early 50s.

"I have been told he looked very professional," said Mr Gregson, who has owned the business for four years.

"But he was acting in an intimidating manner and even asked this woman to go back to check if she had any gold."

Anyone who spots anything suspicious is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.