A vulnerable woman was persuaded to hand over thousands of pounds by scammers posing as police.

The woman, who is from Tonbridge, was called on Wednesday, by a fake police officer who told her to take money out of her bank.

She was instructed not to tell anoyone and someone would collect it from her.

Having followed the instructions, the woman handed over £12,000 in cash to a man driving a black car who appeared at her door.

The fraudster had posed as a police officer from Hammersmith Serious Fraud Squad.

Kent Police say vulnerable and elderly victims across west Kent have been receiving similar phone calls from people claiming to be from police forces across the country.

Each call asks for bank details, credit card details or to handover money.

Det Sgt Marc Cananur, from Kent Police’s Volume Fraud Team, said: "Legitimate police officers would never ask members of the public to give them money or for their bank or other financial details.

"The people carrying out these frauds are the lowest of the low, preying on vulnerable victims and stealing their money. If anyone receives any calls of this nature, or other similar approaches, I would urge them to get in touch with Kent Police."

If anyone has any information on these incidents, Kent Police on 01622 604100.

Alternatively, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.