POLICE and trading standards officers are warning consumers about possibly dangerous counterfeit vodka which could be for sale around Lancashire.

Consumers are advised to contact Lancashire County Council trading standards if they are offered bottles of vodka following the discovery of the counterfeit "Tamova" vodka.

It contains an industrial alcohol, tertiary butyl, which could have toxic effects and even lead to blindness.

The genuine brand of this vodka is only available at Aldi Stores. Lancashire trading standards is keen to stress that this is not the problem vodka.

Jim Potts, Lancashire County Council chief trading standards officer, said: "Consumers should be aware of the potential dangers of counterfeit spirits and report any approaches from street sellers to trading standards or the police.

"The main differences between the counterfeit and genuine bottles are there is only one label on the counterfeit version, whereas there are two on the original. Also, the genuine vodka is only sold in 70cl bottles. The counterfeit bottles are one litre."

If anyone has information regarding the source of the vodka, is concerned about its effects, or has been offered any type of alcohol, which they are suspicious about, and wishes to report it please contact Trading Standards on 0845 600 1352 or Preston police on 01772 203203, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.