POLICE in Darlington are appealing for information after people were duped into parting with money by a man claiming to be injured and in need of help.

Members of the public have reported being approached by a man in the vicinity of the town’s Civic Theatre, Victoria Road and in car parks.

Sergeant Andy Jackson, of Darlington police, said: “We believe a man has approached a number of people and conned them out of money by claiming to have been assaulted and in need of medical help.

“He appears vulnerable and on occasions people have given him cash to help him on his way.

“While his behaviour is not threatening, he is portraying himself as something he is not and is deceiving people to obtain money fraudulently.

“Clearly, right-thinking members of the public would want to help someone in genuine need of assistance but this man’s claims that he can cope if he has money to get himself such help should make people suspicious.”

Anyone who thinks they have been approached by this man is asked to contact police in Darlington on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.