Thieves are posing as police officers to steal from pensioners.

An elderly woman was targeted by two me in Heathfield Avenue, Maidstone, claiming to be from Metropolitan Police.

Arriving at her home on Sunday, September 8, the pair told her they would need to show all the bank notes she had, as they were checking for counterfeit £20 notes.

The pair left empty handed but warned the pensioner not to tell her neighbours they visited.

Insp Nick Hatcher of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit said: "Whilst thankfully no money was stolen on this occasion, incidents such as these cause deep distress and anxiety to victims. It is likely these were opportunistic fraudsters, the likes of which often target the most vulnerable members of our society, in particular the elderly.

"If a person knocks on your door and claims to be a police officer, do not allow them into your home if you do not think they are genuine. Instead, take their details and contact 101 or 999.

"A genuine police officer will not mind calling back or visiting at a later date when you have had a chance to verify who they are."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 09-0566, or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. If you have information and would prefer to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.