People claiming to be from the "Home Affairs Department" are reportedly knocking on doors and asking to check polling cards and postal vote forms in a new scam ahead of the General Election.

Police are warning residents in the Wycombe area to be vigilant amid reports of individuals scamming unsuspecting voters.

The scammers are reportedly knocking on doors and claiming to be from the non-existent Home Affairs Department.

They are asking to check residents' ID and postal vote forms or polling cards ahead of the December 12 election.

It comes amid a background of alleged voter fraud in past elections in the Wycombe area - but there is no suggestion that these latest scams are linked with past reported incidents.

Police are reminding residents that no one from the Home Office, the council or the police will ask to check IDs and postal vote forms - and that anyone who does is not genuine.

Your vote belongs to you and it is illegal for anyone to influence you to vote against your will - even family members or friends.

No one is allowed to pressure you into voting a certain way, offer you something in return for your vote, complete your postal vote for you, or pretend to be you at a polling station.

If someone tries to take your vote, or the vote of anyone you know, call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also report this to Thames Valley Police using their online form or by calling 101 or 999 if you believe the fraud is happening now.