An investigation in Oxfordshire has been concluded after a man reported as a suspicious cold caller was confirmed to be a genuine St John Ambulance representative.

Thames Valley Police had released a warning following multiple reports of a male approaching residents in the village of Benson.

Officers indicated that the individual appeared to be misrepresenting his affiliation with the charitable organisation and was believed to be engaging in unsolicited doorstep activity.

It has since been established that the individual was carrying out authorised fundraising activities on behalf of St John Ambulance.

St John Ambulance operates as part of a federation of charitable organisations present primarily in Commonwealth nations, delivering first aid instruction, related products and services, and emergency medical support.

Police community support officer Stephen Payne stated on Tuesday, August 25, that reports had been received concerning a suspicious male in the Benson area who had been calling at residents’ homes while claiming association with St John Ambulance.

Officers believed the individual might have been conducting unauthorised cold-calling.

Members of the public were advised to exercise heightened caution and to only grant door access to individuals they recognised or had arranged to meet.

Following publication of the police alert, a spokesperson for the charity clarified that authorised fundraisers representing St John Ambulance had been operating throughout Benson and additional villages in Oxfordshire during that period.

The organisation stated that the incidents referred to an approved fundraising body operating as part of its broader fundraising operations.

On Wednesday, August 26, police announced that the inquiry had been discontinued after confirming the individual posed no threat and was legitimately representing the charity.