SUSPECTED fake designer goods were seized after raids on houses in County Durham.

On Wednesday morning, officers from Durham County Council targeted homes in Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland.

The authority's Fair Trading team recovered 45 boxes of supposedly Nike trainers and clothing and accessories thought to be fake including body-warmers, tracksuits and handbags branded with trademarked names including Adidas, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.

The goods are thought to have been advertised on the internet at a fraction of their retail price.

Two people have been interviewed by council officers on suspicion of trademark offences following and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers searched the two houses after linking them to an address in Ferryhill which was raided just before Christmas.

On that occasion about 150 suspected fake items were seized and some have since been confirmed to be counterfeit.

Owen Cleugh, the council’s consumer protection manager, said: “Our message to the public is to avoid buying counterfeit goods. They are poor value for money and serve to fund other areas of criminal activity.

“These products are not subjected to the same standards of quality control, safety procedures and traceability as legitimate goods.

“Fake items such as toys, electrical and cosmetic products may also pose a risk to users if something goes wrong.

“We will continue to keep a close watch on the market place and won’t hesitate to crack down on the illegal sales of counterfeit goods in County Durham.”

Anyone with information on suspected counterfeit goods sales, such as clothing, trainers, alcohol and tobacco, should contact the consumer helpline on 03454-040506.