Police are investigating two distraction burglaries in West Kent.

Officers are warning residents to be on their guard after thieves have posed as police officers on two occasions.

It is reported that two thieves entered the home of an elderly woman in Brasted after claiming to be officers.

The victim, aged 90, was disturbed at her home in the High Street between 5.00 and 5.30pm after the men accessed her property through an unlocked door.

It is reported that woman confronted them, before one of the men produced what appeared to be police identification.

They said they were going to all homes in the area, before one of the men opened a drawer and stole her purse. The pair then left the elderly woman's property.

A very similar incident in Swanley was reported to police just a few hours later.

Shortly after midnight two men knocked on the door of a pensioner in Elm Drive, and were let in after once-again convincing the victim, aged in her 70's, that they were police officers.

They are reported to have stolen several items, including her purse.

The thieves even asked the victim to remove her jewellery but she refused.

She has reported the men spoke in a foreign language, describing one of them as Asian, being 5ft 4ins tall and having stubble.

The second man was white and of a similar height. Both were in black clothing, and resembled police officers.

Detective Inspector Neil Kimber said: 'Whilst most people who call at your home will be genuine, we are reminding people to be on guard against bogus callers may try to trick their way into your home and steal from you.

"These men have shown some form of ID to people to gain entry into their homes, but please be aware that they are not police officers.

"Should someone call at your home and you are not confident that they are genuine, close the door and call Kent Police for verification. None of our officers will mind if you do this."