Warning as 'threatening' workmen charge villagers ten times quoted price to paint fencing

Police have issued a warning after a couple living in a village near Wigan were 'threatened' by men offering to paint their fencing.

On Wednesday, March 2, two men, in their 20s, attended the couple's address on Chequer Lane in Upholland.

They were quoted £60 for the work to be completed - but when they returned to collect their money they demanded £600.

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The money was then handed over because the residents felt 'threatened by the males'.

The two men arrived in a white Ford Transit style van are are described as being white, around six ft tall, with dark hair and stubble, and having northern accents.

PC Ashdown from Skelmersdale Police has now warned residents to keep their houses secure - and to ask 'for identification or a number to contact' to verify the identity of anyone coming to the door.

In a statement put out in social media, the officer said: "On March 2 police were called to attend an address on Chequer Lane, Upholland following reports of two males in their mid to late twenties approaching addresses offering to paint fencing.

"One couple were quoted £60 for the work to be completed however when the two males returned to collect their money they have demanded £600 which they were given as the resident felt threatened by the males.

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"The two males arrived in a white Ford Transit type van and are described as white males approximately 6feet tall with dark hair and stubble. They are described as talking with northern accents.

"To