Residents in Shepway are today being warned over suspicious calls from "amateurish" fraudsters claiming to be from the council.

People had informed both Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council they had received calls from people asking for confidential details about accidents and council tax.

Folkestone town clerk Jennifer Childs said the town council had received around "a dozen calls" this morning.

She added: "Callers have advised that they have received calls regarding accidents and council tax.

"Residents have advised the calls were made on Bank Holiday Monday and were quite amateurish."

Anyone who receives suspicious calls of this nature are asked to contact the National Fraud and Internet Crime reporting centre.

People are asked to note down the number the call is made from if possible and call to Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040 to report it anytime between 8am and 8pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 5pm at weekends.

Alternatively, reports can be made online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

A statement from Shepway District Council said: "We have received reports that people have been receiving phone calls from people saying they are from the Council and asking for confidential details.

"If you have any doubts please hang-up your phone and call 01303 853000 and we will be able to tell you if the call is genuine."