POLICE are investigating following reports of falsely branded chainsaws being sold in the Warndon area of Worcester, as well as in Herefordshire.

Reports were made on Wednesday, June 17, of sellers in the area offering chainsaws seemingly manufactured by the German company Stihl, but were actually cheap and inferior Chinese-made imitations.

Police also received reports of similar incidents across Herefordshire on Monday, June 15.

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Ross Jones said officers were working alongside Trading Standards to identify those responsible.

"We are working with Trading Standards to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding these reports.

“At this stage we are keeping an open mind and ask the public to get in touch with any information which could assist the investigation,” he said.

"There is no evidence to suggest that the reported sale of these items poses any wider threat to the public but we do ask that if anyone has seen anything suspicious or has been approached with similar items in the area to get in touch."

Principal Trading Standards Officer Tim Thorne warned customers the misbranded chainsaws may be unsafe.

“Far from getting a bargain, you are actually being deceived and putting your safety at risk,” he said.

"Chainsaws should only ever be purchased from reputable retailers.

“In addition you will obviously not be able to obtain a refund from these sellers in the event of the items being faulty."

Anyone concerned they may have been sold one of the chainsaws can call police on 101 or Trading Standards on 03454 040 506.