BOGUS charity fundraisers have been knocking on people's doors asking for cash.

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

In each case the person visiting has been a woman with up to three children. One of the children has knocked on the door and told a resident they are collecting for charity.

However the charity named by the callers has changed. On some occasions the RSPCA has been named and on others it has been local schools. Police believe the collectors to be taking money for themselves.

PC Laura Mitchell said: "The woman appears to be using the children to get money for her from kind-hearted members of the community.

"Thankfully it does not appear that any resident has handed over any large amounts of money but we need to find the people involved in case more people fall victim to her.

"We need to speak to anyone who has been visited by the woman and children over the last few weeks so we can piece together exactly where she has been and how much she could have collected.

"If you have any idea who she is or where she could be, please contact us.

"I would also urge residents to check with callers if they ask ID before they give them any money. Official charity collectors will have ID and will be willing to show you it so do not be ashamed about asking to see it."

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.