Police have issued a warning after men pretending to be from an animal charity have been knocking on doors targeting people.

The bogus doorstep callers have been claiming to be from the RSPCA and have been targeting residents in Gravesend and Swanscombe.

Officers say they have received several reports about the bogus callers who have even been seen wearing RSPCA tabards and have been calling on people to join a lottery.

The callers have also been asking homeowners if they have games consoles and animals.

Officers received reports on Tuesday, January 24, about people knocking on doors in Sun Road, Swanscombe, Scott Road, Gravesend and Hawkins Avenue also in the town.

The incidents happened between 5.50pm and 7pm.

In one incident in Sun Road, the bogus caller asked one woman if she had a dog and then asked her young daughter if she had a games console.

The caller was also reluctant to show the woman their ID card.

In Scott Road, four men were seen in the area claiming to be from the charity and in Hawkins Avenue a homeowner opened the door to one man who was wearing a tabard and another man who was just in a tracksuit and a hooded top.

Sgt Carli Deacon from Dartford and Gravesham’s community safety unit said: “If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from a company or a charity and you are dubious then please call the organisation to check.

“If this is a genuine person they will not mind.

“Always use your own phone to check if the person is genuinely from the organisation and also remember to check any ID, but be cautious that these can sometimes be fake.

“If you are still unsure, ask them to come back at another time when friends or family are around to offer support, and close the door.”

Anyone with information or concerns can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 24-0996, alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.