A crackdown on the sale of counterfeit goods has seen fake Armani and Gucci items seized at Swanley Market.

Kent County Council Trading Standards, supported by Kent Police, filled 168 large evidence bags following reports that fake products were being sold there.

A team of 17 officers seized items including, adult and children’s clothing, bags, hats, sunglasses, belts and watches from brands such as Armani and Gucci.

Kent Trading Standards operations manager Clive Phillips said the sale of counterfeit products is illegal and will not be tolerated.

He added: "As well as undermining local legitimate businesses, fake goods can also ruin Christmases because they are of inferior quality and fail to conform with safety standards.

"Money made from the sale of counterfeit products also very often helps to fund serious organised crime."

Kent Police inspector Matt Atkinson said: "If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. "Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re getting a great deal, you may be buying stolen or counterfeit goods.

"Buyers will often find that their purchase turns out to be poor quality and this may make the product unusable or even unsafe."

Kent Trading Standards will continue to work with Kent Police and urge people to report anyone selling counterfeit goods.