A quick-thinking good samaritan has been praised after helping save a vulnerable old man from potentially being fleeced for roof repairs.

The kind citizen, who posted anonymously on a Facebook group, reported how he assisted a "bewildered" looking gentleman outside the Esso garage in Westemoreland Road, Bromley, last Tuesday.

He wrote: "I got in my car and was about to pull away when I noticed the elderly gentleman with a walking stick looking a bit bewildered.

"I waited to see if he needed help, when suddenly the door of a transit van parked opposite me swung open and a man leant out and whistled beckoning the gent to get in the van."

The stranger got out of his car and asked the man, believed to be called Ken, if he needed help.

He replied saying he owed the men in the van money for fixing his roof and they were taking him to a cash machine.

The ATM at the garage was currently out of order.

The anonymous citizen said: "After a bit of back and forth between me and van men, I persuaded the gent to let me take him home and we’ll sort payment out. The van men wanted to follow me, but I said I had something to do first and I’ll meet him at Ken's house."

However, the unsuspecting van men arrived to the house only to be met by police and Bromley Council's trading standards officers after the worried helper informed them.

News Shopper understands the men, who were not arrested, attempted to overcharge Ken for the work.

A fairer price was agreed on the spot and the matter was then closed.

A police spokesman told News Shopper: "We are always grateful to members of the public who look out for others who may be vulnerable in their community, and we encourage them to share their concerns with police. "We welcome such calls and, wherever possible, we will work with partners to address any issues."

Councillor Kate Lymer told News Shopper added: "We all need to be vigilant against unscrupulous so called rogue traders who often make fraudulent and untruthful statements and carry out shoddy work with the intention of obtaining as much money as they can.

"There is advice on our website about sourcing bonafide traders and not using someone who simply knocks on your door, however plausible they may be.

"Especially if you are older, sadly, we know that you are more at risk but fortunately, thanks to some sharp thinking by a good samaritan, we were able to step in and help this resident."

Residents who fear they have been the target of a rogue trader is asked to call Bromley’s trading standards response team on 07903 852090.