Whitstable residents have been warned to be wary of bogus callers after a man posing as a charity collector asked for cash from homes in the area.

It is believed the suspect wore a jacket bearing a charity's logo, carried an identity card - believed stolen - and was asking for an one-off payment of cash on the doorstep.

Officers received two similar reports of suspected fraud carried out at houses on Friday,January 9 in Seasalter and a third in Tankerton on Wednesday, January 21.

During the incidents small quantities of cash were handed over to the collector.

It is possible that similar incidents could have been carried out in Thanet and Herne Bay.

A 34-year-old man from Broadstairs was arrested on Sunday, January 25 on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

"Scams like this can have a knock-on effect on those who are genuinely collecting for charities..." - Inspector Chris Gurney

He has been released on police bail until March 6 pending further investigations.

Canterbury Inspector Chris Gurney said: "Scams like this can have a knock-on effect on those who are genuinely collecting for charities and it's unfair because it makes people think twice about helping a good cause.

"With some notable exceptions, legitimate doorstep charity collectors don't usually ask for one-off cash payments and will accept other forms of payment.

"If you have any doubts about whether the caller is genuine, phone the charity, which will be able to confirm if they have any collectors in the area."