Fake whisky alert

A safety alert has been issued after fake whisky was offered to drinkers in the Black Country.

Police and trading standards officers in Oldbury are urging the public not to buy the bottles, which contain an unknown, potentially noxious substance.

Sergeant Malcolm Strong, licensing officer for Smethwick police, said: "The seller, who is described as a young female, offers to sell whisky which she has in a carrier bag, for £10.

"The bottle is a genuine main brand bottle, but on opening it the buyer finds it contains a coloured liquid which is not whisky.

"The make up of the liquid is unknown, but both police and trading standards are concerned that it may contain a noxious substance."

Councillor Darren Cooper, who has responsibility for trading standards, said: "People who buy from unknown sources are taking an enormous health risk, probably only to save a few pence."