A FRIGHTENED York woman is warning pensioners to be on the look out for abusive "cowboy" builders who became threatening when she refused a work offer.

Christine Shaw, 50, of Railway Terrace, Holgate, has spoken out after being subjected to a terrifying verbal assault outside her home.

Mrs Shaw said: "I'd been into town with my mother who is 80 years old. I saw a van outside the house with three men in it. One of them said our roof needed repairing because it had some tiles missing. He said they could do the job for £35 but I told him we only had it done last year."

Mrs Shaw explained to the man that her husband, Peter, was a builder and would carry out any repairs if they needed them.

She said at this point the man became very aggressive, swearing and becoming very threatening.

"He said he would come back and sort me and my husband out," Mrs Shaw said, "It was so frightening.

"If he was like that with me I dread to think what he would be like with older people. He was a nasty piece of work. I want to warn other people to be on the lookout for these cowboys. I telephoned the police and took their registration number."

Mrs Shaw said the van had "Property Maintenance" written on the side and a phone number which did not respond when she tried it.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "We wouldn't advise anyone to get involved with these door-to-door workmen. It is always sensible to use a reputable firm.

"If anybody is threatened, they should contact the police immediately and get a registration number and description."

PICTURE: FRIGHTENED: Christine Shaw, who was abused by a man she describes as a "cowboy" builder