Two people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on 'cowboy' builders who intimidate customers into paying extortionate prices for minor repairs.

Thames Valley Police and trading standards officers carried out raids on two houses on Tuesday.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Windrush Tower, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, and a 27-year-old man was arrested in Wheatley, on suspicion of obtaining property by deception. Both men were bailed.

Richard Webb, group manager for community safety at Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, said the men were arrested on suspicion of offering to carry out home improvements in Oxford.

He could not be specific about where, as the investigation is ongoing, but he said: "The purpose of the raid was to get further evidence to investigate the matter and put questions to some people we wanted to speak to.

"Having done that now, we have got further work we need to do to investigate the matter fully."

Sgt Ian Uttley, who carried out the raid in Blackbird Leys, said: "This is part of an ongoing operation to crackdown on those involved in rogue trading.

"These arrests should send out a strong message to anyone involved that we will not tolerate this sort of criminal activity."