A FRAUDSTER attempting to profit from the sewage leak in the river Crane is at large, residents have been warned.

A man claiming to be from the Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) has been going door to door requesting people’s bank details to support a recovery fund for the river, according to the Heathfield Safer Neighbourhood Team.

A FORCE spokeswoman this week said: “We have no knowledge of this man or the scheme and it is not a method that we would ever adopt or support.

“If you are approached please do not provide any personal information and inform the police by calling 101.”

She added that the group was working with the Environment Agency, Thames Water and other groups to develop a response to the sewage release, which it expects to be 'fully funded' by the water company.