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Footage of two men appearing to impersonate police has sparked a Met investigation.
A woman claims two individuals knocked on her door saying they were officers and wearing imitation uniforms.
She initially let them into her home before becoming suspicious and asking for ID, which they didn’t have.
The two men arrived at a residential block in Barking wearing caps marked ‘police’, protective vests and carrying batons.
Residents chased after the men as they ‘fled in the direction of Abbey Road’ after a heated confrontation in the hallway, during which one of the men brandished his weapon.
The woman whose address was attended called 999 and police searched the area but they couldn’t be found.
Since the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, the issue of police identification has become a highly sensitive topic.
Wayne Couzens used a genuine warrant card and handcuffs to get the 33-year-old into his vehicle before killing her.
The Met issued advice for what women should do if they are approached by someone claiming to be a police officer if they do not believe they are telling the truth.
But the force was ridiculed for suggesting women could ‘wave down a bus’ if they feel in danger.
Metro.co.uk revealed yesterday that the Met has quietly dropped that guidance, despite it being defended by commissioner Cressida Dick.
The Met would like to speak to the two men pictured and asked anyone who has information to come forward.
A spokesperson said there have been no reports of injury or theft and that an investigation is ongoing but has produced no arrests.
They added: ‘Unfortunately, there have been occasions when fraudsters have posed as police officers, both in person and on the phone, to trick people into giving them personal information and defraud them of money.
‘If one of our officers contacts you in person, they’ll show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority.
‘Remember if you’re unsure about whether the person you’re dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity. In an emergency always call 999.’
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