A BOGUS police officer tried to con a motorist out of thousands of pounds after approaching them in a supermarket car park.

Now North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning to members of the public to be on the alert and not to be afraid to ask for identification from police officers.

The warning comes after motorists were approached in Morrisons car park in Boroughbridge on Friday evening by a man who claimed he was a police officer, he told them their vehicle tax was out of date and took personal contact details.

He then repeatedly called them the next day, telling them they owed several thousand pounds in fines for unpaid vehicle tax and would be arrested if they did not pay immediately.

A force spokesperson warned motorists to be vigilant in case they are approached by the same individual or someone else using the same tactic. They added: "If you are approached by someone claiming to be a police officer, they should be happy to show you their identification if asked and you can also confirm their identity by asking their name and ‘collar number’ and calling 101 to verify these details.

"The police will never contact you over the phone, text or email to request payment or to ask you to transfer money to them so if anyone claiming to be the police does so, hang up immediately.

"If you are concerned about whether you are up to date with your vehicle tax, you can check it by visiting the DVLA website through www.gov.uk "