Warning after counterfeit £20 notes spent at schools

The notes were used at events at schools in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Schools and businesses have been told to be vigilant after several incidents when counterfeit notes were used.

Gloucestershire Police are investigating after four counterfeit £20 notes were used at a school fireworks display in Cheltenham.

In a separate incident at a school event at Churchdown in Gloucester £300 worth of counterfeit £20 notes were allegedly used as legal currency.

"We are encouraging schools, shops, supermarkets, garages and businesses in general to be vigilant when given notes as a form of payment," said PC Johnson, of the crime standards bureau.

"To check the quality of a note, you can scratch them with a pen lid or sharp nail as the ink can come off on counterfeit notes," he added.

Anyone who has information or thinks they may have been given counterfeit notes has been urged to complete an online form on Gloucestershire Police's website.