New parents in Northern Ireland have been warned by the PSNI to be vigilant after a bogus health visitor tried to gain access to a baby in Co Down.

A woman called to the door of a house of a young mum in the Castleview area of Killyleagh and said she had to weigh the baby.

The caller fled when asked for identification.

The PSNI is investigating the incident that happened at 10.50am yesterday.

'A subsequent check with the heath service revealed that no health visitor was due to call that day,' said a PSNI spokeswoman.

The mother and baby were unhurt, but the mother was badly shaken by the incident, according to the PSNI.

The woman is described as being in her late 30s, of a medium build and height, with shoulder length 'dirty blonde' hair.

She wore a light blue waist-length rain coat and carried matching vanity case.