Drivers are being warned to take extra care after two vehicles were pulled over by a man pretending to be a police officer.

Kent Police are now investigating two separate incidents during the same evening in Maidstone.

At around 11.30pm on Wednesday (January 29), a woman and her passenger were travelling between Kingswood and Chart Sutton when they saw a vehicle which flashed its headlights and then lit up blue lights.

She stopped, and a man approached her flashing a torchlight.

The woman noticed two other men in his vehicle and realised they were not police. She drove away and raised the alarm at a nearby service station.

A second similar incident happened around the same time when a car was stopped near a golf club in Chartway Street, Sutton Valence.

On this occasion, a man inspected the driver’s vehicle, which contained several other occupants, before telling them they could leave.

Police have now issued a CCTV image which may help them with their investigation.

Inspector Rob Dell said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind these incidents.

“It is possible they may have been intended as pranks, but it is also clear that this would be a frightening experience for anyone approached in this way.

“Our officers are pursuing several lines of inquiry to locate the suspect’s car, which is believed to be the one pictured and thought to be a VW Golf.

“The man with the torch had blond hair and was of skinny build.”

The police recommend if you are ever unsure if someone is genuine, where possible try and drive to a well-lit, populated area like a service station or a busy car park before stopping.

“It is possible they may have been intended as pranks, but it is also clear that this would be a frightening experience for anyone approached in this way.”

Legitimate officers will have proper identification.

Stay inside your car with the doors locked and ask to see their badge and ID through a closed window.

You can also call the police on 999 to speak to a call handler who will be able to confirm their identity.

If you have information that can help the investigation, contact the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/16767/25.

You can also get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.