THREE people who posed as gardeners to con an elderly man are being hunted by police.

They struck on Monday afternoon at the home of their 83-year-old victim in Brice Road, Higham, near Gravesend.

The trio offered to cut back a hedge for £25 then one distracted the victim by taking him to the bottom of his garden. The other two went into the house and stole cheque books from the kitchen.

The gang then escaped in a white or cream-coloured van, which had the words 'Hire Van' on the side.

All three males were white. One was in his late 40s, 5ft 8in tall, well built with black frizzy hair.

A second man was in his early 20s, 5ft 8in tall with large, distinctive eyes.

The third member of the gang was aged 13 or 14 and thin with dark medium-length hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01474 565094 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.