Police have arrested two men from an anti-paedophile vigilante gang as concern about such groups intensifies.

Officers arrested the men, aged 43 from Blackheath and 34 from Maidstone, on Friday on suspicion of impersonating a policeman and false imprisonment.

Last week a senior officer warned against the activities of paedophile hunting gangs after an incident at the Bluewater shopping centre on Easter Sunday in which an alleged sex offender was caught in a sting streamed live on Facebook by the Hunted One group.

Two men have been charged with assault while a third is accused of online grooming of a child.

Police report the latest arrests are not linked to the Bluewater case.

Spokesman Vicki Foster said: "Kent Police has arrested two men on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and false imprisonment.

"One man, 43, from Blackheath in London, was arrested at around 11am on Friday 21 April 2017. The second man, aged 34, from Maidstone, was arrested at midday the same day.

"The man from Blackheath was also arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

"Both were subsequently bailed."

The force continues to warn against vigilante activities after a series of incidents across Kent.

Ch Supt Thomas Richards said: "We would strongly advise against getting involved in, or setting up activities to entrap those suspected of intending to commit offences.

"Although seemingly well-meaning, this can significantly hinder our work, compromise ongoing investigations and negate months of investigative work.

"There is also the risk that it can potentially identify people who are completely innocent and mistakenly associate them with grooming offences.

"I would add that whilst police have resources and expertise to protect the vulnerable and people with mental health issues, members of the public generally do not, and can cause such individuals to be placed at serious risk of harm."

Mirza Mispa Beg, 29, was charged with grooming following Easter Sunday's incident and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, May 16.