A caller posing as a police officer allegedly stole thousands of pounds in jewellery and money from a woman in her nineties.

A 22-year-old man from London and a 26-year-old woman were arrested yesterday on suspicion of courier fraud.

The pensioner reported that she received a call in Sittingbourne from someone claiming to be a member of the police who said her debit card had been compromised.

She said she was told to put her card in an envelope. The caller then asked if she had any valuables in the house and that they would be safer at New Scotland Yard.

The woman placed about £20,000 worth of jewellery in a bag with her debit card and left it outside her front door. It was subsequently taken.

A few days later she reported she took another phone call from the same person asking to authorise two payments as part of the investigation totalling nearly £4,000.

Det Sgt Marc Cananur of Kent Police said: "Criminals who commit courier fraud offences prey on the most vulnerable members of society and care little if their victims are left penniless as a result of the lies that are spun.

"We are keen to ensure people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances and valuables are not put at risk. I would encourage friends and family members to pass on fraud prevention advice to help protect residents who may not be aware of this type of scam."