A CONMAN claiming to have links with an Islamic movement in Saudi Arabia has tried to get money from a leading local language teacher.

Dr Abdl Ghany Saleh said he was called this week by a man claiming to be from the British Council of Mosques.

It is the second time he has been targeted.

Dr Saleh, who founded the Watford Arabic School 19 years ago, said the man "knew his stuff".

The conman said he was phoning from Canada and needed 1,000 euros to help him and his family out of trouble.

The call came the day after another phone call, which told Dr Saleh to expect a cry for help.

The doctor, who was the target of a similar scheme in 1997, warned members of Watford's Muslim community to be on their guard and think carefully about how best to give assistance to the needy.

June 13, 2002 16:00