GLOUCESTERSHIRE police are stressing they do not sell advertising, following several reports in the last week of businesses being invited to buy space in a police-related magazine.

Two people have been contacted by men claiming to be from the Police Talk Initiative or the Police Initiative Scheme and asked if they would like to buy an advert in their magazine.

Force Crime Reduction Officer Paul Francis said this week: “We never sell advertising space in any publication or cold call people.

"Even if these magazines exist they are certainly nothing to do with the police.

“My advice if you get one of these phone calls is to simply hang up and call Trading Standards or Police on 0845 090 1234.”