TRADERS have been warned to be on their guard after several forged £50 Scottish notes were circulated in Worcestershire.

Police have issued two images of men they would like to speak to in connection with the incidents.

Inspector Paul Crowley of Kidderminster police warned traders to be vigilant and to use ultra-violet marker pens or screening devices to check authenticity.

"People working behind counters should also be particularly wary if someone is trying to use a Scottish £50 note or other high denomination to pay for something that only costs a few pounds," he said.

"If they are suspicious then they should refuse to accept the note and contact us immediately, giving a description of the person involved and if possible making a note of any vehicle they are using."

The latest incident happened at a golf club in Bewdley at 11.15am on Wednesday, when a man used a thick and greasy counterfeit note to buy balls.

The man was white, aged 20 to 25, about 5ft 8in, of average build and wore denim jeans, a light top and white baseball cap. He spoke with an Irish accent.

A similar incident happened on Wednesday, May 16, when another man, who also spoke with an Irish accent, purchased cigarettes from a shop in Fairfield, Bromsgrove.

The same man is believed to be responsible for similar incidents at about six shops, restaurants and garages in the Leominster area and Tenbury Wells on Friday, May 18.

He is described as white, of medium build with dark hair.

Officers are investigating if the attempted use of fake £20 notes over the past two weeks in Bewdley could be related.

The notes appear authentic, but are thicker in texture and the Queen's head on the watermark is a poor copy.

Anyone with information can call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.