Residents of a Kent town have been forced to tread carefully after a spate of hydrant and meter covers were stolen overnight.

Police are investigating the thefts, which have left gaping holes in pavements across Tenterden and St Michaels.

Officers are looking into the missing meters, and believe that offenders may have dressed like highways workers, intending to sell the metal covers for scrap.

At least 12 covers have been removed from the roads in a series of thefts that took place between last Thursday and Friday.

A Tenterden Town Council announcement stated: "There has been a spate of fire hydrant and water meter cover thefts across Tenterden & St Michaels over the last 24 hours.

"These are major trip hazards so please be careful. We have reported this to the police and are alerting South East Water and the Fire Brigade".

Roads known to be affected so far, with the number of covers stolen are: Swain Road (1), Chalk Avenue (1), Henley Fields (3), Smallhythe Road (1), Springfield Avenue (1), Rogersmead (1), Priory Way/Tilden Gill entrance (3), and Craythorne (1).

A police statement on Twitter read: "There have been a number of thefts of manhole covers in Tenterden.

"It is likely they will be stolen and then sold for scrap. Offenders may dress like highways workers with a vehicle but may not be genuine.

"Please report any suspicious activity immediately."

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden