DRIVERS are warned to be on their guard after an apparent roadside scam.

Police are investigating several reports of a man flagging down other motorists, telling them he has run out of petrol, and then trying to sell them jewellery.

Several incidents have been reported in North and East Yorkshire in recent weeks.

The most recent case happened in North Yorkshire on Sunday, although police have not specified where.

They say a man beside a black saloon car flagged down another motorist and said he was selling jewellery, and asked for £20.

Earlier this month, a couple were flagged down in Ryedale by someone who offered them a gold ring in exchange for money for petrol.

That man was described to police as being of Asian appearance, and told the couple he had run out of petrol and had no money to buy any, offering his gold ring in exchange.

Similar incidents have been reported in East Yorkshire, each time involving a silver people carrier.

One of the incidents happened on the B1246 between Pocklington and Warter, and the other happened on the B1253 between Sledmere and Bridlington.

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "A man of Asian appearance flagged down two motorists between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 27 July.

"The man said that he’d run out of petrol and that he’d sell the passing motorists some jewellery to get cash for petrol and food. One of the motorists gave the man some money in exchange for a ring."

Police advise drivers not to hand over cash at the roadside as it is likely to be a scam.

They want to hear from anyone who may have seen a silver people carrier at the roadside or who stopped to talk to the man. Phone Humberside Police or North Yorkshire Police on 101 with any information. For Humberside, refer to incident 308 from July 27.