A pensioner had their savings stolen by fraudsters after falling victim to a phone scam.

The elderly Aylesford resident received a personalised text from someone claiming to be an M15 detective investigating fraudulent activity on their bank account.

The caller provided the customer, who is in their 80s, with a fake reference for the Metropolitan Police and asked them to call 999 to verify their identity.

Unbeknown to the homeowner, their phone had been hacked and their call to the emergency services was diverted to the offenders, who confirmed the details.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, then provided the operator with their account information.

When they next checked their bank, it was completely empty.

Tracey Crouch, the Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford, has been in contact with the affected constituent and their family.

"They are absolutely devastated," she said. "Their account was completely wiped. It's just heartbreaking."

She added: "Please be vigilant, not only for yourselves but for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours, like the elderly, who may be more susceptible to this awful type of crime.

"If you receive such a call, please report it immediately to the police and consult a family or friend that this has happened to ensure others are aware of your situation and can also report from a separate telephone in case yours has been hacked or tampered with."

Kent Police is investigating this recent incident.