Police are advising people to be wary of a possible scam involving a “motorist” trying to sell his jewellery for cash because he claims he has broken down or run out of petrol.

The advice comes after two incidents were reported in the Tunbridge Wells area, the first of which occurred last Friday in Langton Green.

A man was pulled over by the driver of a white car, carrying two passengers, and with an Italian registration.

The driver, who spoke with a foreign accent, said he had run out of petrol and had no money; he offered jewellery in return for any cash the man could give him. The man refused and reported the incident to police.

A similar incident occurred on Monday, when another male driver was flagged down as he drove along Frant Road towards Lamberhurst by the driver of a red car .

The man also spoke in a foreign accent and said he had broken down and needed money, and again offered jewellery – a ring. No transaction took place and the matter was reported to police.

Tunbridge Wells neighbourhood officer Sgt Pete Heaton said: ‘Both these incidents are highly likely to have been a scam to get money for what will turn out to be near worthless jewellery.

“If you are approached by anyone offering to sell you jewellery because they need money urgently, be very wary. My advice would be to politely decline any such offer.”