Police have issued a warning after reports of a new cashpoint scam taking place in broad daylight in North Yorkshire in the last few days.

In each report a young person has been approached on the streets of Harrogate and Thirsk by two men.

The men, who have irish accents, pretend that they need help, stating that their bank cards don’t work in the UK, and request that money is withdrawn from an ATM by the victim and handed to them. The victim is assured any money given will be refunded via a transfer to the victim’s account.

No such transfer is made, the money is stolen, leaving the victim out of pocket.

No threats are made, but police said the circumstances of the approach left the victims feeling intimidated.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police advised people that if they are approached in this way, politely refuse to help, and try to move away.

"Only when it is safe to do so, please report the approach to the police, noting any details, especially any vehicle details on 101, option one," added the spokesperson. "If you see this happening, and it is safe to do so, please call 999."