Two more people have been charged as police investigate allegations that a group of people posed as charity workers to steal jewellery.

The allegations relate to a series of distraction thefts across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Essex between February 2 and March 7, where elderly members of the public were "approached in the street by people pretending to be charity workers and had their jewellery stolen".

Beniamin Radu, 22, and Narcisa Schian, 22, both of Mears Drive, Birmingham, have been charged with conspiracy to steal. They have both been remanded in custody.

Three other people - Alina Cristea, 21, Denisa Gheorghe, 27, and Patricia Tanase, 22, all of Jellicoe Close, Slough – have already been charged in connection with the incidents. They remain remanded in custody.

A further three people who were initially arrested in connection with the thefts have been released with no further action. One other person remains on bail following his arrest. 

All five people who have been charged are due to appear in court on Wednesday, May 3.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We are continuing to appeal for anybody who feels they may have been a victim of a distraction theft to please get in touch with us on 101 quoting Operation Jewel."