Three people have been arrested in connection with the theft of jewellery estimated to be worth £2 million.

The suspects are being linked to a criminal gang believed to be targeting travelling salespersons who trade jewellery with stores across the country.

The theft is reported to have happened on Thursday, January 18, after the victim parked his car at a petrol garage in London Road, Wrotham.

It is alleged a bag containing high value jewellery was stolen from the vehicle.

An investigation is being led by West Kent CID, and on Sunday, February 11 a man and woman were arrested in Lancashire following a report of suspicious behaviour involving another potential victim near Bolton.

Both were then transferred into Kent Police custody.

Edgar Ardila Ruiz, 36, and Monica Diaz, 43, both of no fixed address, were each charged with conspiracy to steal, and theft from a motor vehicle.

They appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 14 and were remanded in custody. Their next hearing is at Maidstone Crown Court on March 11.

A third suspect, a man aged 62, was arrested on Saturday (February 17). He has been bailed with conditions, pending further enquires, to return to a police station on May 17.