Villagers are being warned about doorstep criminals following reports of suspicious callers.

Police received a report that on Friday afternoon around 3.30pm three men called at an address in Coxheath, near Maidstone, without an appointment.

The men offered to fix three roof tiles, which the occupant, a woman in her 80s, agreed to without confirming a price.

She was then asked for a large amount of cash when the work was completed. She paid a proportion of the money and the men left without providing a receipt.

Police then received a report that yesterday some men called at an address in Mereworth without an appointment and offered to clean the gutters.

The householder, a woman in her 70s, paid some cash for completion of the work, but has since received numerous unwanted calls offering further unnecessary repairs at the house.

Inspector Rachel Cumberland said: "Maidstone residents should be alert if a tradesman visits without an appointment and suggests work needs to be completed on the house.

"In some cases, occupants are overcharged for minor repairs and then intimidated when they question the cost.

"Anybody who is pestered by unwanted cold callers should advise them that contact will be made with Trading Standards and if necessary the police."