A CHARITY worker has warned residents to beware of a fake hospital patient after he was conned out of more than £65.

Ken Davidson, 66, was tending to his garden in Woodgrange Drive, Southend, when he was approached by a man who asked for money to get home to Bournemouth.

The man claimed he had recently had a diabetic fit and had just been released from hospital.

The Echo revealed earlier this week the conman was targeting elderly residents in Benfleet. He also appears to be operating in other areas of south Essex.

Mr Davidson, a retired charity manager and part-time advisor at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, said he feels “foolish” after being caught out by the scam.

He said: “I was gardening and this man came into my driveway asking for help. He said he was diabetic and had collapsed and had come out of hospital.

“He said he was trying to make his way home to Bournemouth.

“I gave him a drink of milk. I then gave him some money and told him how to get to the station.”

Believing he had helped someone in need, Mr Davidson, who is part of the Southend Christian Fellowship, continued pottering in his garden.

The man returned about an hour later begging for more cash.

Mr Davidson added: “He told us he needed additional money for the train fare. I gave him some more money but he turned up the next day saying he had collapsed again and gone to hospital.

“I told him it was alright and I would take him to the station and put him on a train. At that point he decided it was time to leave.”

Mr Davidson said he handed over £65 in total. He wants to warn other residents to be wary- but claims he does not regret trying to help a man in need.

He said: “I don’t like to see people in trouble. He said he was diabetic and needed help. We have got to give a Christian response.

“He was very plausible. He kept on asking for more and more money.

“It’s the fact that he is using a health issue to con people, it’s quite disturbing.

“It was very foolish, but I just want to stop this happening to others.”

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.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.