POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses after a pensioner found her home damaged by suspects who she believed were repairing her roof.

Officers were called to reports of suspicious behaviour and criminal damage in Langdon Hills at about 9.45am last Wednesday.

The woman, in her 70s, claimed she found the property had been damaged by suspected rogue traders, with a "hole" left in her roof.

Police quickly arrived at the scene in Primrose Close and three men aged 23, 23 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of fraud and criminal damage.

They have been released on bail pending further enquiries and the police investigation is ongoing.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for any witnesses, doorbell or dashcam footage from an area of the Basildon district after three people were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage."

Officers are appealing for residents from several roads in the area to help with their enquiry, including anyone else who may have been targeted by suspected rogue traders.

They added: "We would also like to hear from anyone in the area who has been approached regarding repairs to the roof of their property.

"If you live in Primrose Close, Mentmore, Dalmeny, Roseberry Avenue or Barons Way and have any information that may help our investigation, please get in touch quoting incident number 286 of Wednesday 24 April."

Submit a report on the Essex Police website essex.police.uk using the live chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am and 9pm, or call the force on 101.

To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.