Officers investigating the theft of 30,000 litres of fuel from pipelines running below the Deputy Prime Minister's home in Kent have released images of two suspects.

The fuel was diverted out of the 120 mile long pipeline after thieves drilled into it just outside Chevening House near Sevenoaks, the country residence of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Kent Police have released the CCTV images as part of ongoing inquiries into thefts from fuel lines across the UK.

To date nine people have been arrested as part of the investigation.

Det Con Angela Holder said: "We are asking anyone who may recognise these men to get in touch.

"We believe they can help with our enquiries in what continues to be a major and widespread investigation into the theft of fuel from underground pipelines."

She added: "These incidents have occurred in a number of regions across the UK, whereby highly specialised and dangerous techniques will have been required to siphon fuel from pipelines which operate at very high pressure."

In November two suspected laundering plants, capable of producing 20 million litres of fuel a year and evading an estimated £12million in duty between them, were discovered.

Anyone with information should call DC Holder on 07800 675316.