A fraudster is alleged to have posed as an Italian fashion designer to steal money from well-meaning students.

The man targeted young people in Camden and Islington between February and March, asking them for directions to an airport to  engage with them, the Metropolitan Police said.

According to the force, he would thank them by offering then clothing that he claimed he had designed.

After gaining their trust, he would ask for money, sometimes claiming he had been the victim of a robbery, and would promise them to pay back once he returned to Italy.

No victim ever got their money back.

A man, 39, was arrested last Sunday (March 3) and was charged with five counts of fraud by false representation and one count of robbery.

He has been remanded in custody to next appear at Wood Green Crown Court on April 8.

Detective Inspector James Allsopp from Central North Command Unit said: “We are appealing to members of the public in particular university students who may have been targeted in similar circumstances.

“The offences took place between Tuesday, February 6 and Saturday, March 2 - if you think you may have met this man and been defrauded, please come forward to police by calling 101 and quoting CAD3410/04MAR24.”