Counterfeit vodka to be destroyed

The counterfeit bottle (left) is very similar to the authentic bottle (right)

Bottles of fake vodka containing potentially harmful levels of methanol are to be destroyed.

Trading standards officers in Newcastle have obtained a court order to dispose of the bottles labelled Spar Imperial Vodka which can cause blindness.

They were seized from Britannia Beer and Food Store in Sceptre Street.

Spar said its own labelled brand of vodka is only sold in its shops. It is believed two fake 70cl bottles from the raided shop have already been sold.

Anita Lower, Newcastle City Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We take any threat to public health very seriously and environmental health officers have moved quickly to remove these dangerous products.

"I urge anyone who comes into contact with these remaining bottles to contact us immediately so we can ensure the public are no longer put at at any risk."

The counterfeit vodka gives off a strong acetate odour similar to nail varnish and has the identity code QI: 1445c.