TRADING Standards officers were called in to take action following complaints from the public about an auction in the heart of Worcester.

The team Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standard's service closed down the auction, opposite Gregg's on High Street, on Thursday, following complaints from the public.

Items including DVD players, PlayStations, CD players, and video recorders were advertised for sale at under £50 in a disused shop at 65 Worcester High Street.

Five men were arrested, released on bail, and have not yet been charged.

Peter Holmes, principal trading standards officer, warned the public to beware of such auctions.

"We take it very seriously if anyone operates in this way," said Peter Holmes, principal trading standards officer. "They function by convincing people they are getting a bargain - the person offering the product is usually very gifted in hard sell and so is often very convincing."

Richard Lawrence visited the auction on Tuesday when he took part in a bid for electrical goods.

Mr Lawrence spent £65, two-thirds of the money his wife Caroline recently received on her 22nd birthday, on what he thought was a top-of-the-range walkman. But when he returned home he claims it was a model worth only £30 and despite receiving a "gift" of two pens and a watch, he is still angry.

"I'm gutted. I was so stupid to go and trust these guys with my wife's birthday money," he said.

"You get caught up in the thought of getting a bargain but once you leave you can't believe how stupid you've been. I just went home and wept."

Anyone who attended the auction and has complaints about what happened can call the consumer advice line on 01905 765373.