Six men who conned elderly people and convinced them to hand over their life savings have been jailed.

However, two of those convicted failed to attend the sentencing hearing and are wanted by police.

In 2016, the fraudsters, posing as policemen, called a number of victims claiming they were investigating fraudulent activity on their bank accounts.

In total, 34 cases were reported to police forces. Victims across the country were targeted, but many were in Hertfordshire, including in Watford and Rickmansworth.

The six men, all from London, have been jailed in connection with the £330,000 courier fraud series.

Between March 1 2016 and November 29 2016, elderly victims were asked to withdraw large sums of money from their accounts, believing it was part of a real police investigation into their finances. The cash was then either picked up by a courier or transferred.

In total, those targeted lost £215,641 while further attempts would have resulted in £122,445 more, had the scam been successful.

A series of warrants were carried out in November and a number of arrests were made.

Following a five week trial at St Albans Crown Court, nine men were found guilty on August 7.

The following men were found to have organised the conspiracy, contacted victims and/or controlled the couriers:

• Sheikh Hussain, aged 24, from Great Russell Street, London, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

• Nahid Uddin, aged 24, from Charlton Street, London, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

• Masum Uddin, aged 23, from Orde Hall Street, London, was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

• Mohammed Abdul Khaled aged 24, from Portpool Lane, London, was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

The following acted as couriers:

• Mohammed Abdulahi, aged 22, from Cumberland Market, London, was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

• Mushahid Miah, aged 24, from Ampthill Square, London, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud.

The following arranged the transfer of criminal property:

• Dedar Ali, aged 24, from Cressfield Close, London, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment (suspended) for money laundering.

• Abdul Basit Khan, aged 26, from Calverton Road, Luton, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment (suspended) and 120 hours of unpaid work for money laundering.

• Abdalla Abdalla, aged 27, from Piper Close, London, was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment (suspended) and 120 hours of unpaid work for money laundering.

Masum Uddin, 23, Orde Hall Street, Camden and Mohammed Khaled ,24, of Portpool Lane, Bourne Estate, Camden failed to attend the sentencing hearing and warrants have been issued for their arrest.