Pubs, hotels and restaurants in the Hadleigh area are being warned about a couple who have been conning their way out of paying bills for meals, drinks and stays.

Suffolk police are hunting for the pair, who have been described as a respectable-looking middle-aged couple who have made off without paying bills amounting to thousands of pounds.

The couple are understood to have left without paying after running up a bill of almost £200 at the Marquis pub at Layham near Hadleigh, but also struck at Lavenham, Monks Eleigh and Ipswich.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: "We have received three complaints about two people at the Waterfront Bistro in Ipswich in September who ate a meal to the value of £95.00 and when they attempted to pay on their card they have had their payment declined. They gave false details and failed to return and make payment for the meal.

"A few days later at the Marquis of Cornwallis in Layham two people ate a meal to the value of £197 - again the card was declined and they gave false details and failed to go back and pay.

"Two weeks ago at the Swan Inn Monks Eleigh two people had a meal, again the card was declined and again they gave false details and failed to go back and make payment.

"We believe that all three cases are linked to the same individuals and enquiries are on-going."

The charming couple usually ask for the bill, but when their card is declined, give a relatively local address and convince the staff or owners they will return the following day.

"Making off without payment for meals is simply unacceptable, added the police spokesman. "This type of activity whatever the value can result in a criminal conviction which can have a serious impact on someone's life."