Police have seized more than 600 suspected stolen catalytic converters estimated to be worth £120,000.

It follows a raid carried out with Environment Agency officers on a rural property near Detling

Fifteen officers swooped at the site in Yelsted and uncovered 12 pallets each containing between 60 to 100 of the car parts.

A 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with the raid on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He has been bailed until July 6.

Detective Chief Inspector Isobel Gibson, of Maidstone Police, said: "This warrant marks a significant step in our bid to crack down on the theft of catalytic converters.

"I hope this serves as a warning that we will be taking a tough line on those caught stealing or handling stolen goods.

"This will be followed up by further work in distributing SmartWater kits to rural businesses.

"This will allow companies to mark their vehicles so that if catalytic converters are stolen and recovered they can be reunited with their rightful owners.

"Criminals need to be aware that forensic marking has a 100 per cent conviction rate to date with an irrefutable link to the scene of a crime.

"Already where similar trials of the substance are being used they are having excellent results."