BOTTLES of counterfeit vodka were seized from shops in Hayes, following a Trading Standards investigation.

Officers traced the UK duty number on bottles of Metropolis Vodka to an Italian manufacturer and found it does not produce it.

They are now urging residents not to buy or drink any of the bottles.

Borough cabinet spokesman Jonathan Bianco said: “Our trading standards team could not determine where Metropolis Vodka came from, or the company that made it, which means it is impossible to guarantee its quality.

“Counterfeit spirits are often topped up with toxic substances, such as methanol, which pose a serious risk to health, so it is vital that people do not drink it.

“Retailers and consumers in Hillingdon should let us know if they see Metropolis Vodka with this duty stamp number (A90000001023) being sold so we can seize any remaining bottles and continue to investigate where it came from."

Anyone with information about the vodka should call trading on 01895 250164 and choose option two.