Four men have been accused of posing as police officers to trick motorists into handing over thousands of pounds.

More than £25,000 is said to have been stolen from eight people along the M20 and A20.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between August 13 and Wednesday.

The four men were arrested on Wednesday and were due to appear at Canterbury Magistrates' Court.

Alberto Chivea, 25, of St Margaret's Road, Tottenham, is charged with driving with no licence and no insurance, failing to stop and conspiracy to steal.

Homeless Tanase Bogda, 23, and 30-year-old Ninel Besleaga, of St Margaret's Road, Tottenham, are both charged with conspiracy to steal.

A fourth man - Stefanita Iorga, 27, of Elgin Road, Ilford, is charged with driving with no licence or insurance and conspiracy to steal.

DC Robert Goodban, from Kent Police, said people should to be careful when asked to hand over money.

He added: "If you suspect any suspicious behaviour from either a telephone call or visit, I would urge people to contact Kent Police in the first instance on 101, as real officers would have no objections to their identity being verified."

Potential witnesses are urged to phone police on 101.