HE’s got the patter, he’s got the sob story and, police claim, he’s got the gall to use both to get what he wants. Meet Nicholas Slocombe, now on the run as one of West Mercia Police’s most wanted.

But it might not be the Nicholas Slocombe named by police this week you are meeting, it could be Owen Roswell, or Arron Renfrey.

Detectives say this suspected trickster has used these three names – at least – to con cash out of his victims.

Nick or Owen or Arron first surfaced in and around Leominster earlier this year, trying it on with various degrees of success at a series of shops.

And businesses in Ludlow and south Shropshire are now being warned about his alleged activities.

Always smartly dressed and described as extremely plausible, “Nick” went for the heartstrings to say his child had died recently from a life-limiting condition and he was now raising funds through sponsorship for research into that condition.

And because he “worked for the local paper” any shop that gave him money got a free advert. But he didn’t and they didn’t.

At least 24 offences attributed to “Nick” occurred in Leominster alone over a matter of weeks, others came in from Hereford and across Shropshire.

But officers believe many more shops and pubs could have been conned out of smaller amounts.

“Nick” was eventually arrested, interviewed on suspicion of fraud by false representation and released on police bail.

Last month he didn’t answer that bail and police warn he may be back to his old tricks, with a warrant out for his arrest.

􀁥 Any information on “Nick” can be passed on to police on 03003 333000.