BOGUS callers posing as police officers targeted two elderly women within an hour.

The two men called at the house of a woman in Lunsford Lane, Larkfield, at about 1.30pm on Thursday claiming they were investigating after seeing an intruder in her back yard.

They asked the woman, who is in her 70s, if she had any cash in her home and asked her to check it was still there. She grew suspicious as the men were improperly dressed and slammed the door in their faces.

About 50 minutes later, police believe the same men struck again in New Road, Ditton, stealing a handbag from a woman in her 80s.

The procedure was similar - one man knocked on the woman's door while the other pretended to stand guard at her gate. The thief said that they were police officers and had seen a man climbing over a fence at the rear of the property.

But although the victim protested, they pushed past her and stole a handbag sitting on a hallway table.

Police spokeswoman Gianna Pollero said: "We would encourage anyone to do exactly what the first woman did. Do not even fully open your door or give out any personal details. If you are suspicious, shut the door immediately."

The first man is white, about 19, 5ft 6ins, of medium build, with mousy hair. The second man is white, about 35 to 45, fat, with mousy hair. Both had attempted to look like police officers by wearing similar clothes, including identical waist-length navy anoraks.

Anyone with information is asked to call Maidstone and Malling Police on 01622 690690.