POLICE are releasing this image of a man over a fraud in Ruislip and Uxbridge.

A couple from Hillingdon reported they had been contacted on January 17 by a man claiming to be a police officer.

He said there had been suspicious activity with one of their bank cards and they needed to help him with an investigation.

The couple, in their 70s, were instructed to withdraw £4,500 from a bank in Ruislip to assist the investigation. A man came to their home and collected it from them.

The following day, they were asked to withdraw money from a Travel Exchange in Uxbridge. Again, a man came to collect it.

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They were also asked to buy a gift card from a department store, which was again collected.

Eventually, the couple contacted a relative, who advised them to call the police.

PC Carl Blissett said: “This couple truly believed they were helping with an investigation and were trying to do the right thing. Once they realised what had happened, they were, understandably devastated.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the man in the photo is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 5776/18JAN. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.