Residents of one Kent town are being reassured after three linked robberies in less than a week.

The first happened in Central Road, Dartford, at around 11.45pm on Friday, September 7, as a man walked to his car.

Four men are reported to have pulled up in a black Audi alongside him, with three of them getting out and threatening him before stealing his watch and cash, with one of the men punching him in the shoulder.

They got back into the vehicle and drove off.

The second robbery happened around four hours later at 3.30am in Sherbourne Close, Dartford.

As a man got out of his car two men kicked and punched him, stealing his wallet, bag, a white T-shirt and a black hat. He didn't require hospital treatment.

On Tuesday between 12.10am and 12.30am a man was robbed of his vehicle in Central Road as he waited at temporary traffic lights.

The helpless victim was set upon by five men who approached him from a white van and a black car.

He was dragged from his car before it was driven away. He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

Chief inspector Andy Gadd said: "We understand these incidents have caused some concerns within the community but I’d like to reassure residents that we are actively investigating these incidents.

"We do not believe there is a risk to the wider public and believe the victims were specifically targeted.

"Within the next few weeks we will be holding a residents’ meeting to discuss policing concerns so I would encourage those who do have concerns to attend this meeting.

"Details have not yet been finalised but will be published when they are."

Police have been asked whether it is believed the suspects are known to the victims.

In all three incidents the suspects have been described as black, wearing balaclavas and dark clothing and are aged between 25 and 30 years old.

Anyone who may have information, dashcam footage or CCTV is asked to contact officers on 01474 366 149 quoting crime reference XY/057208/18. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.