Police are appealing for victims who believed they have been scammed in a ‘crash for cash’ scheme in the Cotswolds to come forward.

It follows two incidents reported to Gloucestershire Constabulary last week, involving cars intentionally stopping and forcing other vehicles to collide with them.

The incidents happened on the A419 Swindon Road and A419 Cirencester Road.

In the first reported collision, which took place on Tuesday, December 15, the suspects used a white Audi, with tinted windows in the rear and back window, and a red VW Scirocco to carry out the scam.

Officers believe the two cars were randomly stopping, resulting in cars colliding with them.

The suspects would then either speed away or stop to ask the victim to hand over money at the roadside, in order to stop them informing the insurance company.

Incidents were also reported on December 17, when a silver VW Golf and a black Seat were used.

On this occasion, police say one victim handed over £500 to avoid getting an insurance company involved.

Five men have been arrested in connection with the incidents. No further action is being taken against one man while the other four have been released under investigation.

It is believed that other cars may have been used on other occasions and police would like to speak to any drivers who have been involved in a similar crash in the area on or around those dates.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident 317 of December 15 or incident 292 of December 17.