Detectives have arrested two men in connection with an alleged phone scam in Radlett.

Detectives detained two men after a Radlett woman in her late 80s was called by someone claiming to be a police officer investigating a fraud.

The victim was told to withdraw large sums of money to give to a person who was sent to collect them, which she was told was required as part of the investigation.

The woman had already handed over a substantial amount of money in late November, and was due to hand over a second amount on December 5.

She had visited the bank to withdraw the money, but staff became suspicious and alerted the police.

Officers were then sent to the victim’s home and were able to intercept the taxi that had been sent to collect the money.

Redwan Hussain, 20, of Piggot Street, Tower Hamlets, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud and was remanded in custody by Hatfield Remand Court on Saturday, December 6.

A 43-year-old man from Barking was also arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, and has been released on police bail until December 30.

Detective Constable David Boden of Hertsmere Local Crime Unit said: “While we continue to make arrests in connection with phone scams, we still need the public to wary of unexpected phone calls as these scams continue to operate across the county.

“Our advice remains the same: the police and banks would never ask you to withdraw any amount of money and send it to them. This is simply something we would never do. We would urge people to share the following advice with their family and friends as this will help us raise awareness.”