A toothless man dubbed "the bearded fix-it bandit" by the Police is on the loose – and they need help to find him.

Issuing an appeal yesterday, a spokesman described the distinctive-looking con artist as "a caucasian male sporting a full grey beard and little or no teeth".

He explained: "The suspect usually has a cycle close by and tries to flag down individuals asking for money to purchase gas or fix something on his bike that has malfunctioned. It is not uncommon for the suspect to then make good his escape with the money of the would-be 'Good Samaritan'."

The so-called "bandit" was last seen in the North Shore, Devonshire area, according to the Police.

One woman who thinks she spotted him around 11 p.m on on Monday night told The Royal Gazette: "He looks like Grandpa."

The 34-year-old from Pembroke explained: "I was coming up to Deepdale and as I turned the corner he pulled up on his bike at the end of the road and started to wave at me.

"He had a grey beard and moustache. He tried to flag me down but I didn't stop and he didn't follow me."

Anyone who spots the suspect should call the Police on 295-0011.