A man has been charged by police investigating a number of bogus caller incidents across east Kent.

Three such incidents were reported in Folkestone on Friday morning in Wear Bay Road, Broadview and Surrenden Road.

It brings the total number of bogus caller offences in east Kent since Monday, March 23, to 14. There been an additional three in Swale.

A light blue Ford Mondeo was seen in the area of Wear Bay Road on Friday, which police believe was involved in the offences.

The car is being forensically examined. Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicle in any of the areas affected.

A 36-year-old man was charged with conspiracy to steal and appeared before magistrates on Monday, March 30 where he was remanded in custody. Two other men are still being hunted and police have reissued their appeal to trace the pair.

One is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 10ins of medium build and with thick dark hair.

He speaks with an Irish accent and was wearing dark trousers, and a dark blue woolen jumper with a white shirt underneath. He was last seen in Hospital Hill, Seabrook, at around 11am on Friday.

Police are now investigating a total of 20 similar incidents across the area including two in Faversham between March 23 and 27.

In all the incidents, two men claiming to be from the water board have visited elderly residents.

One knocks on the front door and tells the victim that there was a leak along the road and that they need to enter the property to turn off the stopcock. Alternatively, the resident is asked to turn their taps on and off.

While the victim is distracted, the second man searches the home looking for items to steal. Cash and a handbag have been reported missing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant David Cox on 01843 289293 and quote crime report number ZY/8541/15.

Alternatively, if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.