Thieves posing as workman have swiped paving slabs in a village and police have not ruled out a link with a similar raid in Rochester two days later.

Officers are appealing to people in Eynsford to contact them with information about a group of men who appeared to be carrying out works in Riverside.

The offenders put up false signs to make the work appear genuine and made off with the stones between lunchtime on November 19 and lunchtime the following day, leaving the signage behind.

PC Robert Sayer, from the Sevenoaks District Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The council has confirmed there were no works scheduled in the area at the time.

“We have spoken to witnesses who recall seeing men in the area but there could be others who noticed people or vehicles in the area who did not realise they were witnessing an incident which would later be reported as a crime.”

Anyone with any information which may assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact Swanley Police Station on 01322 422516.

Kent Police have not ruled out a link between this incident and another which reportedly took place in Rochester on November 22. One man has been arrested and bailed to January 14.