An Orpington man has been charged as part of an investigation into a £40,000 counterfeit currency operation.

Frazer North, 32, of Tillingbourne Green, Orpington, has been charged with conspiracy to deliver counterfeit currency.

Police raided a property in Gravesend last November and seized approximately £40,000 worth of £20 notes that were believed to have been forged.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have been investigating an alleged conspiracy to circulate fake Bank of England notes.

North was also charged with possession of criminal property, two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis, and one count of controlling counterfeit currency.

Two other men were also charged with conspiracy to deliver counterfeit currency. James Brennan, 35, of Eastern Gardens, Willesborough, and Daniel Chapman, 42, of The Downage, Gravesend.

Brennan was also charged with possession of a stun gun, two counts of offering to supply cannabis and one count of producing cannabis.

Chapman was also charged with possession of criminal property and controlling counterfeit currency.

All three have been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on April 11.

The Bank of England provides a range of information to help people identify genuine banknotes that can be accessed at www.bankofengland.co.uk.

Anyone who receives what they believe to be a counterfeit note is advised to hand it in to their local police station or call 101.