Police investigate Tracey Emin art forgery ring

Genuine paintings by Tracey Emin are worth tens of thousands of pounds

A forgery ring specialising in works by artist Tracey Emin is being investigated by police.

Scotland Yard began an inquiry after concerns were raised about several paintings offered for sale.

Det Sgt Vernon Rapley said: "We have identified a number of fakes of her work and that is under investigation."

Two men, aged 21 and 23, were arrested in Manchester in November on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money-laundering. They were given bail.

Emin, 46, is based in Spitalfields, east London.

Her 1998 work Unmade Bed - a replica of her bed complete with used condoms - was nominated for the Turner Prize.

Some paintings by the artist are worth tens of thousands of pounds.