Gravesend and Northfleet residents have received suspicious calls from someone claiming to be a police officer.

An elderly woman was tricked into withdrawing a large quantity of money after being told her bank was involved in fraudulent activity.

She was told the officer required her help with the investigation and she then handed the money over to a courier who visited her home.

This comes as fake police officers were also reported to have committed burglaries in Gravesend's Laurence Drive and Tennyson Walk

Kent Police is warning residents in Gravesham to be wary of providing personal details to strangers over the telephone.

Inspector Kevin Downard said: "While bogus callers are often very polite and convincing at first, a police officer would never ask someone for their bank details or money over the telephone."

"I would urge everyone to be on their guard against those who may attempt to deceive you, and to call us on 101 for verification if you are not confident someone claiming to be a Kent Police officer is genuine.

"If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer.

"You should also never hand over any money or items to a courier as a result of this type of call."

Anyone with information about fraudulent incidents in Kent can contact Kent Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

The matter can also be reported to Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.