A WOMAN has been arrested over reports of a mother and her children posing as charity collectors. 

Police have received a number of reports of residents being contacted on their doorsteps in Southwick and Shoreham and asked for money.

In each case the person visiting has been a woman and has had with her up to three children. 

One of the children has knocked on the door and told the resident they are collecting for charity - but police believe she is keeping the money.

PC Laura Mitchell said: "Since our previous appeal I have been contacted by a number of people who have said that they have been visited by the offender.

"I am very grateful for their help and would urge anyone else who thinks they have been defrauded by someone who visited them at home to contact me.

"I would also urge residents to remain vigilant when it comes to dealing with visitors on their doorsteps. Official charity collectors will have ID and will be willing to show you it so do not be ashamed about asking to see it."

A 31-year-old woman from Shoreham was arrested on suspicion of fraud offences. She has been released on bail until 17 August.

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 905 of July 1, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.