Tonnes of counterfeit washing powder which could cause a painful reaction to anyone with sensitive skin has been found at Dover docks.

Packaged as large boxes of Ariel, the load originated in eastern Europe and was of a much lower quality.

It was seized by Kent Trading Standards officers working with the UK Border Agency.

Trading Standards manager Mark Rolfe said scientists from Procter and Gamble – the company which produces Ariel – took samples away for analysis and confirmed their suspicions.

“They told us the powder could be used for washing, but it was of a much inferior quality and, if sold as Ariel, would have brought in a tidy profit. It contained chlorides which could produce a bad reaction in some users and which genuine Ariel does not contain.”

The counterfeit powder was destined for a distribution centre in the south-east. The haulage company and the lorry driver are believed to be oblivious to the scam.