Two robbers posed as police officers in order to enter a woman's flat in Gravesend before threatening her with a knife.

Charlie Spenceley, from Rochester, and Alfie Riggs, from Chatham, deceived their way into the victim’s home during the early hours of January 21 and went on to commit a similar offence within 10 minutes of leaving the scene.

The men were sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday.

Spenceley and Riggs used an intercom to request access to a block of flats in Snelling Avenue at around 2.45am, telling a resident they were the police.

After being let inside, they knocked on the door of a flat and again told the occupant they were the police and needed to be let in.

Once the door was open, Spenceley produced a knife and immediately threatened a woman with the weapon.

Riggs then searched the property before Spenceley punched the woman in the face when she said she had no money to hand over.

Both men then left the address and walked to a block of flats in Napier Road to target a second home.

In this instance, the victim was known to Riggs and allowed both men inside after they repeatedly used an intercom to get his attention.

Spenceley then threatened him with a knife and a quantity of cash was handed over.

Both men were arrested in connection with the robberies later that day and have been held on remand since.

Spenceley, 29, of James Street, Rochester, admitted robbery, attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Riggs, 27, of Limetree Close, Chatham, admitted robbery and attempted robbery.

Both men received a six year prison sentence.

Detective Constable Dan Bister, from Kent Police’s Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "Spenceley and Riggs have shown themselves to be exceptionally callous offenders who are prepared to target victims in their own homes and threaten them with extreme violence.

"They present a clear and obvious threat to public safety and I am pleased that our investigation has led to substantial custodial sentences being imposed."

Read more: all the latest news from Gravesend.