Members of the public are being warned to beware of counterfeit Poppyscotland merchandise that may be being sold in Glasgow.

Border Force officers have seized fake poppy branded jewellery, key rings and scarves estimated to be worth approximately £150,000.

The goods, some of which were also branded with the words ‘Lest we Forget’, were confirmed to have infringed the Royal British Legion’s ‘two petal poppy’ copyright.

Border Force officers made the discovery from the mobile International Trade Team based at Tilbury Docks where they were examining a delivery from China.

An inspection of the shipment, which was destined for an address in the Manchester area, revealed packages containing poppy branded goods included 1,212 scarves, 5,400 badges and 1,200 key rings.

A total of 600 four petal brooches which were later confirmed to infringe the ‘four petal’ copyright held by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland (Poppyscotland).

Officers seized the goods under the suspicion that they were counterfeit.

Amongst the consignment, officers also discovered 600 four petal brooches which were later confirmed to infringe the ‘four petal’ copyright held by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland (Poppyscotland).

Mark Kennedy, Border Force Acting Deputy Director, said: “Had these fake goods entered the market, they could have cheated thousands of pounds from unsuspecting members of the public and diverted vital funds away from the Royal British Legion.

“My officers work around the clock at ports, airports and mail sorting centres identifying and seizing counterfeit goods and their diligence has proved vital here.

“All counterfeits cheat honest traders and we are determined to crack down on this type of criminality. Border Force works closely with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure co-ordinated action against those who attempt to import fake goods.”

A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland said: “The two-petal poppy is a registered trademark owned by The Royal British Legion and the four-petal poppy is a registered trademark owned by Poppyscotland.

“We have a responsibility to make sure that these trademarks are protected so that the public can be sure that their donations are going directly to a registered charity.

“The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland offer a number of poppy accessories which raise much-needed funds for our charitable work. By donating for a poppy through our official channels, or corporate partners, the public can rest assured that their money will go towards supporting our Armed Forces community.”