A coin collection, which is thought to have been stolen, has been discovered in the back of a van during an arrest.

Police officers stopped the vehicle after it came to their attention in Gravesend on Saturday, February 24.

The driver, a man in his 30s from Portsmouth, was arrested in connection with bulk shoplifting offences and has since been bailed until March 22.

The collection, which includes various coins in blue velvet cases and commemorative postcards, was found in the back and it is thought it may have been stolen from east Kent as part of a burglary.

PC Nick Lingham, of the rural task force, said: “Somebody has put a lot of time and effort into collecting these items and we would really like to reunite this collection with this person.

“Anyone who recognises it will have to provide proof that it belongs to them before we can release it.”

Anyone who recognises the items is asked to call the force’s appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/30653/24.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete its online form.