Victims of an alleged £58,000 scam have questioned South Yorkshire Police’s response after some say they reported concerns about the scammer involved three years ago.

The BBC have allegedly identified more than 30 people who claim they lost a combined £58,000 to Matthew Carroll, with further alleged victims coming forward since the original reports.

Several people have said they had received little or no follow-up from police after reporting their experiences.

One alleged victim, who believes Carroll applied for credit in her name, said police contacted her a year after she reported suspected fraud to arrange for a statement to be taken.

South Yorkshire Police have declined to comment.

According to the BBC, alleged victims included former friends, colleagues and romantic partners who said they had handed over money after being promised business opportunities, trips and other arrangements that never materialised.

Twelve people reportedly provided personal information and deposits of up to £1,000 after Carroll invited them to take part in a play near Broadway in New York, which never happened.

Allegedly £9,321 had been returned in full or partial repayments to those who reported losses totalling £58,000.