Ten people have been arrested in connection with numerous thefts from lorries across Kent.

Nine men and one woman, aged between 22 and 49, were detained during raids on 10 properties in Essex and London on Thursday.

The arrests follow 35 offences committed between July and October where items were taken from vehicles parked at service stations and in laybys.

Vehicles were targeted in Larkfield, Blue Bell Hill, Aylesford, Snodland and Leybourne.

Nine offences are also reported to have occurred in North Kent and nine in East Kent on the A2, the M2, M20 and the M25 motorways. A further nine offences were reported in Essex.

Various items that are believed to have been stolen, Class A and B drugs, and a handgun with a suppressor and ammunition were seized during the raids.

All of the suspects have been released on bail pending further investigation until June 15.

Detective Sergeant Matt Scott, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This day of enforcement was part of an ongoing investigation into a gang who has targeted lorry drivers across Kent and beyond.

"Drivers have been targeted while they were taking breaks, and the offenders have stolen items from the lorries of drivers who were out working long hours earning an honest living. This enforcement has allowed us to arrest and interview ten people, as well as take some illegal items out of circulation."