A woman said she was left "feeling vulnerable" after being approached by a man pretending to be a police officer in Dagenham.

At around 3.40pm on Monday, October 28, Hanna Niks said she was walking away from the lake in Parsloes Park when she was approached by a man who said he had to talk to her.

Hanna recalls how the man, who claimed to be with the police, presented “a small navy-blue book that resembled a passport".

She told this paper: "When he opened it, the page was blank. Despite my refusals, he grew increasingly insistent and even aggressive, following me through the park.

“Fortunately, a woman passing by with her child noticed what was happening and checked if I was okay - I was visibly panicked and breathing heavily.

"As soon as she intervened, the man quickly left and headed toward the children’s play area."

Parsloes Park, DagenhamParsloes Park, Dagenham (Image: Google)Hanna visits the park regularly and felt it is usually "a safe and enjoyable space”.

She added: “While this park has always felt safe to me, this experience has left me feeling vulnerable. 

"I no longer feel safe there, so I’ve joined a gym where I feel more secure than walking in the park.

"I want to caution others, especially those with children, to stay aware. 

"Please stay vigilant. Carry a panic alarm and watch your children closely."

The Metropolitan Police gave some advice on what to expect if you are stopped by a real police officer in plain clothes.

They would "always tell you why you have been stopped and always produce their official warrant card with their photograph, name and identity number".

The officer would also never ask for PIN numbers or cash, the force's spokesperson added.

They said that an officer's details can be verified by calling police on 101 and people are advised to call the same number with any other concerns.