Warnings to avoid fake spirits over New Year

Trading standards officers in the West Midlands are warning people to avoid bottles of fake spirits over the New Year. Tests on some bottles have found ingredients also found in anti-freeze.

Drinkers are being asked to avoid bottles with spelling mistakes, wonky labels or unfamiliar brands. The spirits could blind or kill people who drink them.

Cllr Mehboob Khan, Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: "Everyone wants a bargain at this time of year, but by consuming fake alcohol people may be taking their life into their hands."