RESIDENTS in Bridport and Beaminster have been warned against potential 'pushy' cold callers who may be knocking on their doors.

The pedlars, known as Nottingham Knockers, say they are visiting homes in Bridport and Beaminster offering “lower quality and higher price” products for sale.

Dorset Police say if the sellers have a Pedlars Licence and are good mannered, they are not committing any offences.

However, a force spokesman warned if they refuse to leave your doorstep or become 'pushy or aggressive in their sales pitch', they may be committing an offence and should be reported to Trading Standards.

A spokesman for Bridport Police shared the following advice: "Ask to see their licence before getting into any conversation and make a mental note of their name.

"Not to allow any such people into your home and consider the use of a door chain to prevent someone walking in.

"Consider whether you need to purchase any items and do not feel that you should. - If you do not wish to purchase anything from them, ask them to leave your property.

"If they refuse or become pushy/aggressive in their sales pitch, tell them that if they don't leave you will phone the Police. They may be committing an offence by refusing to leave, so do phone us if they become aggressive and refuse to leave.

"If they are pushy in their sales pitch they may be committing trading offences, so consider contacting Trading Standards."