Police have released a CCTV image showing a lorry driver

The containers - one of which was destined for a charity - were picked up from Thames Europort on Crossways in Dartford on 18 November.

The gang pulled off the theft after posing as a small firm called Tudor Transport to gain the trust of a Belgian shipping firm over the course of a week.

Police said they had made at least six deliveries for the company, prior to the theft.

When the container company in Zeebrugge found the containers had not arrived on 19 November - they tried to contact the haulage company with no success.

CCTV released

A CCTV image showing a man driving a container out of Europort has been released by police, who say they want to speak to the driver in connection with the theft.

Detective Constable Nick Brown said: "We are dealing with a well-organised team who have, over a period of a week, gained the trust of the company enabling them simply to drive away with the goods.

"This type of crime, while not an everyday occurrence, is not uncommon and it is likely this gang could come from anywhere in the country."

He added: "The trucking industry is a very close-knit community and it is possible that lorry drivers throughout the country may have come across the man in the picture."

One container was filled with furniture due to be delivered to the National Children's Home in Cambridge, while the other two contained Duracell batteries and lubricating oils.

A reward of 10% of the value of any goods recovered has been offered, which is payable on conviction of the offenders.