Three men have been charged after the alleged theft of fuel from pipelines across the UK - including those running below Nick Clegg's former Kent home.

Around 30,000 litres of fuel was diverted out of the 120 mile long pipeline that runs between Fawley Refinery in Hampshire and Purfleet Fuel Terminal and Gatwick.

Thieves are said to have drilled into the line just outside Chevening House near Sevenoaks, the former country residence of Nick Clegg.

The fuel, valued at more than £8 million, is believed to have been stolen over the course of seven months.

Roger Gull, 49, of Upminster Road North, Rainham, Essex, has been charged with one count of conspiring to steal hydrocarbon fuels and two counts related to money laundering offences.

Thomas Campbell, 56, of Richardson Avenue, Hurlford, Kilmarnock, has been charged with one count of conspiring to steal hydrocarbon fuels.

Ryan Gull, 27, of Upminster Road North, Rainham, Essex, has been charged with two counts related to money laundering offences.

Other reported thefts took place in Hampshire, Essex, Northamptonshire and Cheshire.

All three men have been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on Monday, August 24.

In November last year officers investigating the fuel theft raided two suspected diesel laundering plants.

HM Revenue and Customs revealed two suspected laundering plants, capable of evading an estimated £12 million in duty between them, were dismantled in Essex and Merseyside.