POLICE have issued a warning following a number of reports of a man pretending to be broken down on the motorways and then attempting to sell jewellery to motorists who stop to help.

In recent weeks, there have been a spate of such incidents on the M6, M62 and M61 reported to police.

The latest such incident occurred yesterday, Thursday, on the M6 southbound at junction 21a for Croft.

At around 11am, reports were made that a man was trying to flag down motorists on the hard shoulder of the motorway slip road.

But the suspect fled when officers attended the scene.

Now Cheshire Police are warning motorists to be vigilant.

Inspector Mark Jones of Cheshire Police’s roads policing unit said: “I ask motorists to be wary of anyone flagging them down under suspicious circumstances.

“If you have any doubts regarding the motives of someone trying to flag you down after seemingly breaking down then do not stop for them.

“I also urge motorists to report any similar incidents or suspicious activity to Cheshire Police.

“In an emergency, or if there is a crime taking place, call 999.”

“Ideally, we would like people to take note of the number plate of the vehicle concerned – but motorists should only do this if it is safe to do so.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 53067, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.