POLICE have received multiple reports of a group of three men buying items from premises in the Stroud area before paying with counterfeit £50 notes.

The first incident took place at The Kings Arm public house in Didmarton shortly before 7pm last night and second incident took place at Wotton British Takeaway in Wotton under Edge shortly after 8.10pm.

A force spokesman said: "We were also called to Tesco on Long Street in Wotton under Edge at 8.20pm last night.

"It was reported that three men had paid for their order with counterfeit £50 notes during both of the incidents.

"The men were described as having Irish accents and were believed to have been in their 30s or 40s.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 with incident number 389, 420 or 421 of 15 January.

"Traders are advised to always check notes carefully and to focus on the colour, clarity of print and the feel and texture compared to genuine ones."

For more advice check the Bank of England website: bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes/how-to-check-your-banknotes

Anastasia Onisiforou who works at the Wotton British Takeaway said: "The fake notes are pretty good.

"I did the usual checks by putting it towards the light and looking for a bright '£50' next to the Queen's portrait.

"But after the second guy tried paying for a pie with another £50 note we realised something was dodgy.

"After further inspection, I noticed the thin paper of the note and a poor replica of the Queen's portrait," she added.

"And it was very easy to rip the paper."