OFFICERS are warning businesses to be vigilant after they have received reports of forged notes being used across the county.

Police have issued the warning as forged £20 Scottish and forged £50 Irish notes have been reported right across Cumbria - from hotels in Coniston to newsagents in Carlisle.

Businesses have been targeted indiscriminately, with reports from places such as Grasmere, Ulverston, Silloth, Allonby, and Abbeytown.

Crime prevention officer, Claire Stevens, said: “We hope by highlighting these incident that business will take heed in checking any £20 and £50 notes that they receive.

"Our advice is simple, if you are in any doubt, do not accept the tender and ask for other means of payment.”

Anyone with any information on counterfeit money in the county is asked to call police on 101.