A CCTV image has been issued following reports of cars being stopped near Maidstone by a man impersonating a police officer.
Kent Police is investigating two separate incidents in the same evening when drivers were pulled over after seeing a car displaying blue lights.

Image believed to be of suspect’s car
It was around 11.30pm on Wednesday 29 January 2025, when a woman travelling with a passenger between Kingswood and Chart Sutton reported seeing a vehicle which flashed its headlights and then turned on blue lights. After she stopped a man approached flashing a torchlight. The woman noticed two other men in his vehicle and realised they weren’t police. She drove away and raised the alarm at a nearby service station.
In a second similar incident at around the same time, a car was stopped near a golf club in Chartway Street, Sutton Valence. It is reported a man inspected the driver’s vehicle, which contained several other occupants, before telling them they could leave.
Inspector Rob Dell said:
‘We are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind these incidents. It is possible they may have been intended as pranks, but it is also clear that this would be a frightening experience for anyone approached in this way. Our officers are pursuing several lines of enquiry to locate the suspect’s car, which is believed to the one pictured and thought to be a VW Golf. The man with the torch had blond hair and was of skinny build.’
If you have information which can assist the investigation call our appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/16767/25. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.
How to check an officer’s identity
- If you still have concerns call us on 999 to speak to a call handler who will be able to confirm their identity.
- If you are ever unsure if a police officer or police car is genuine, where possible try and drive to a well-lit, populated area like a service station or a busy car park before stopping.
- Genuine officers will have proper identification. Stay inside your car with the doors locked and ask to see their badge and ID through a closed window