PEOPLE are being warned to beware of street traders selling what they claim are gold items.

Trading standards officers at Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Constabulary officers have responded to various instances across the county of itinerant traders selling supposedly gold rings on streets.

The rings are stamped 18 carat gold and bear marks resembling hallmarks but tests found they actually contained no gold whatsoever.

The tests, carried out by the Assay Office in Birmingham, showed the rings were made of 79 per cent copper, 11 per cent zinc and small amounts of lead, tin and iron.

Officers have so far seized hundreds of gold-coloured rings and other jewellery which was being passed off as real gold.

Some residents have also reported that the sellers have been using aggressive and bullying tactics to secure a sale.

Simon Wilkes, operations manager, said: "Residents should be wary of anyone who approaches them in the street trying to sell what appears to be gold jewellery at knockdown prices.

"Some sellers have also been using intimidation to peddle their goods and we would ask people to report them to the police if this tactic is tried.

"Some districts operate licensing for street trading to help control what is sold and who is selling.

"These ring sellers are not licensed, the items sold by them are often very poor quality and buyers will find it impossible to get refunds if they purchase these goods."

Anyone approached in this manner should immediately report the matter to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or contact the police on 08457 444888.