Two men and a teenager have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and theft offences.

Police were called to East Hill Road, Knatts Valley, following reports of three men knocking on doors of homes offering 'free surveys'.

They are believed to have been paid more than £2,000 for substandard repair work.

Officers attended the scene and carried out a search for the suspects.

They found several other potential victims at a site for residential mobile homes in nearby East Hill Farm Park during house to house enquiries.

Reports included a number of occasions were work had been carried out without permission, before the victims were charged thousands of pounds.

A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man from Faversham, along with a 41-year-old man from Chelmsford were later located by officers nearby and arrested in connection with fraud and theft offences.

Two vehicles and a quantity of cash were also seized. Police are linking the investigation to further offences, including a number of crimes at static caravan sites in the Ashford area.

Detective Sergeant Tom Daveney said: "We are reminding residents never to deal with doorstep callers offering work on your home or garden.

"Rogue traders operate by pressurising and intimidating their victims into agreeing work that is often unnecessary, of poor quality and very costly. Before agreeing to any work being carried out obtain quotes from several reputable companies.

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

DS Daveney added: "I’m also keen to remind relatives and neighbours to look out for more vulnerable people, such as the elderly, who sadly are often targeted."

All three suspects have been released on bail, pending further enquiries until Wednesday 16 May.