Probe on sales of fake gold

Unscrupulous street traders are peddling fake gold rings in Shrewsbury sparking an investigation by police.

Officers are investigating claims that cheap brass rings are being passed off as genuine 18-carat gold by street sellers in the town centre.

Unsuspecting shoppers were today warned not to be tempted by the trinkets after one jeweller confirmed they were made of brass.

Dave Thomas, from Snooty Fox Jewellers in Wyle Cop, said people were out in Shrewsbury trying to sell the rings on the street.

He said a shopper had brought one of the rings into the shop yesterday to sell only to be told it was made of brass.

"I have heard people are getting stopped on the street and being asked to buy these rings. A friend brought one and I had it tested and it was brass. People need to be aware of this more than anything."

He added that if deals seemed too good to be true they normally were.

Richard Ewels, for Shrewsbury police, said: "We have had a call from a jeweller in the town who said he had had what was seemingly an 18-carat gold ring brought in but he said he considered it to be brass.

"We are going to liaise with the informant and make inquiries. We would appeal for any further information and advise people not to be tempted to buy jewellery if approached by somebody in the street."

Anyone with information can contact police on 08457 444888.