Be aware of scams amid disruption caused by storms, Northumbrian Water warns customers.

The company said there is an increase in scam reports lately, as there have been more officials knocking on people's doors conducting welfare checks.

This comes in the wake of recent storms which has given opportunities to fraudulent utility workers to gain access to homes.

Helen Lumsdon, head of customer operations, said: "We urge customers to be extra vigilant, especially during the dark nights and colder months.

"Anyone who receives a visit from someone claiming to work for us, should always ask to see their identification."

Last year, the company received 108 reports from customers who were approached by bogus callers.

Ms Lumsdon added: “We would also encourage everyone who is eligible to sign up to our free priority services register where we operate a password protection scheme.

“If in doubt, keep them out until you know they are who they say they are.”