A MAN has been arrested in connection with an alleged courier fraud in Witham.

A concerned woman raised the alarm with Essex Police on Wednesday.

She reported a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer who was conducting a financial investigation into their bank account.

Her husband was instructed to withdraw a large sum of money after being told their bank account was compromised and a courier would attend their address to collect the money.

As officers arrived at the elderly couple’s address, they were informed a man had just left with the cash.

Officers from the local response team coordinated a search of the area.

They tracked down the suspect within 30 minutes and recovered a four-figure cash amount.

Det Sgt Shelley Tarling of the economic crime unit said the arrest was made quickly due to the couple reporting their suspicions and the determination of the investigating officers.

Det Sgt Tarling added: “This type of fraud usually targets older people who are more vulnerable, but I’d like to remind the public that police would never call and ask you to take cash out of your account or hand it to a courier for safekeeping or as part of any investigation.

“At present, we believe this to be an isolated case but if you know of a relative, neighbour or friend who says they have had similar calls, please contact us."

An 18-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. He remains in custody.