Detectives have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to after a 92-year-old man was conned out of £10,000.

A suspect, described by the victim as being of Middle-Eastern appearance and in his late 20s, is alleged to have targeted the vulnerable pensioner in a phone call on December 5 pretending to be from Barclays Bank’s fraud squad.

The alleged conman tricked his victim out of the cash after meeting him in St John’s Wood on the same and following days.

Det Con James Kapp said: “The victim soon realised that he had been the victim of a fraud, but by then it was too late.”

Anyone who recognises the man in these images or has information concerning the incident should call police via 101 quoting reference number 4103/090218.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

To prevent becoming a victim of courier fraud, and related offences, police are asking the public to be aware of the following crime prevention reminders:

- Police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card.

- Equally, they will never arrange to meet you to exchange cash or bank cards.

- If you are contacted by someone who asks for these, hang up.

- Report any such calls to police by dialling 101. If possible, try to use a different phone to the one called by potential fraudsters; for instance, use a mobile if the suspicious call was made to your landline, and vice versa. If you need to use the same phone, wait at least five minutes for the line to clear.

- In an emergency, call police on 999.

- If you have elderly friends or relatives, remind them periodically of the methods used by such fraudsters.