Fraudsters who scammed elderly and vulnerable victims out of more than £250,000 have been jailed, the Metropolitan Police said.

Abdul Mohib, 23, of Frederick Street in London, and Mominur Rahman, 19, committed 27 offences between August 12 and October 22 last year across London boroughs including Richmond, Lambeth and Camden.

The pair contacted people by telephone, pretending to be police officers, before claiming there had been fraudulent activity on their bank accounts.

The conmen would even reassure their victims that the call was genuine by suggesting they hang up and ring their bank or police station immediately.

The fraudsters would not disconnect the call however, and would pose as a bank official or police operator once the victim had dialled a legitimate telephone number.

Detective constable Will Richards, from Westminster Borough's Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit, said: "Beyond their significant financial losses, these offences undermine victims' self-confidence and trust in others.

"Many were left feeling vulnerable and humiliated. This was a cruel and cunning scam, and the only people who should feel humiliated by it are those responsible."

On one occasion, a 68-year-old was convinced to hand over £8,500 while at the funeral of a friend. One 85-year-old gave the fraudsters £28,250 over a three day period.

In October 2014 Rahman was detained after attending a victim's address to collect £3,000. Mohib was arrested shortly afterwards.

A gold Rolex watch worth £20,850 taken from an 80-year-old victim in September 2014 was recovered from Mohib’s home.

Mohib was sentenced to three years and eight months at Southwark Crown Court, and Rahman was given a 12-month sentence.