RESIDENTS in two Gwent towns are being targeted by bogus council workers trying to persuade them to sell their cars.

Police and Torfaen council are warning people to be wary of a man and a youth who are claiming to work for the council's abandoned vehicle section.

A council spokesperson told the Argus the pair appear to be on the lookout for older cars and are calling on residents door to door in Cwmbran and Pontypool.

"Their behaviour becomes aggressive when they are challenged by residents," she said.

She said Torfaen council had received complaints from residents, who had received a visit form a man and a teenager, described as about 14, calling around the neighbourhood in a white transit van.

Police were called on Friday after a pair answering the description of the man and teenager were spotted on Pontnewynydd industrial estate.

PC Andy Cleaton, Pontypool's crime prevention officer, said: "Obviously we need clear descriptions of the man and youth. The fact they are pretending to work for the council is extremely worrying and we would urge people to be vigilant and call police or the council if they see these individuals," he said.

Call Police on 01495 764711 or Torfaen council on 01495 762200.