CALLOUS conmen who targeted an elderly widower were foiled by their would-be victim and a quick-thinking postal worker.

The bogus workmen – posing as Kirklees Council staff – turned up unannounced at Vincent Butler’s Hollin Terrace house in Marsh and told him they were there to resurface his front garden.

They said the council would pay for half the job but he had to stump up the other £500.

The four men bundled 80-year-old Mr Butler into a car and drove him to Marsh Post Office in Westbourne Road to withdraw the cash.

But when they got there Mr Butler told counter assistant Kath McKean he thought something fishy was going on and she called the police.

The would-be thieves were forced to flee without a penny.

Grandfather Mr Butler said: “If it were up to me, I would shackle them to a wall and tape their mouths shut so they starved to death.

“As far as I’m concerned, they don’t deserve to live.”

Ms McKean added: “I think it’s disgusting. These kind of people just prey on the vulnerable.”

Mr Butler, who lives with his son, Martin, was in the house on his own when the dodgy tradesmen knocked on his door on Tuesday lunchtime.

He said: “One of them spoke very quickly and said they were going to dig up the garden and cover it with tarmacadam.

“He said they were sent by the council, but I would have to pay half the cost.

“It seemed like they couldn’t wait to get me to the post office to withdraw the money.

“One of them started digging while the others took me there in the car.

“When I thought about it they couldn’t have been from the council because we are always forewarned about any work they are doing.”

The men dropped Mr Butler off at the post office and waited nearby in their car, but the plan started to go wrong.

He said: “When I spoke to Kath I said I thought there was something suspicious going on and she asked me if it would be OK to call the police.”

When Mr Butler failed to reappear, it is believed the gang panicked and drove off. There was no sign of the workmen when the police drove him home.

Det Con Russ Conlon said: “It was a mean trick and we want to hear if they have tried this scam elsewhere.

“The advice to anyone is never to accept offers of work from strangers who call at your home.

“If you need household jobs like gardening then call a reputable tradesman.”

The gang were all in a green Peugeot estate car with roof bars.

All were white. Two were in their 20s or 30s, while the third was about 50. Two of them wore hats.

Anyone who can help police should contact Det Con Marie Whitehouse on 0845 6060606.