CONMEN have been tricking people in Greenwich into handing over thousands of pounds in cash and jewellery by claiming to have won the lottery.

The elaborate scam involves a trickster – who generally targets elderly people of Asian heritage - claiming to have a winning ticket which cannot be cashed-in as they do not have the right to stay in the UK.

A second swindler then lures the victim in by suggesting they claim the prize and hand over cash or valuables as a safeguard.

One of the pair then pretends to have a stomach ache and distracts the victim by persuading them to buy tablets while making off with the money.

Detectives are warning the public about the con and say there are two suspects who drive a grey Nissan Almera estate car.

The first is described as a smartly dressed Asian man in his late thirties - often seen wearing a suit - and the second is a woman in her late thirties who claims to be Nepalese.

Officer in the case Mark Azariah said; "The entire con happens quickly, in less than a couple of hours. The two suspects tend to approach elderly victims in public places so anyone can be targeted.

"Please be aware that there are criminals who are willing to invent all sorts of stories in order to con money out of innocent people.

"If something appears too good to be true and a stranger approaches you about their winning lottery ticket, please don’t assist them. Some of the victims involved in this scam have lost thousands of pounds."

Anyone with information should contact Dc Mark Azariah, of Greenwich CID, on 020 2884 9554 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.