Vodka thought to be laced with chloroform and other dangerous chemicals has been seized by police in Colchester.

Officers found 14 bottles on in the town yesterday.

The counterfeit vodka was discovered in bottles labelled as Russian Empire which normally retails for around £27. It was on sale at £12.

Inspector Jarvis at Colchester police station said: “We were contacted by a member of the public who was concerned that illicit vodka was on sale in the town.

“We are aware of fake alcohol being sold in other parts of the country but we believe this is the first time this potentially dangerous mixture of vodka and other chemicals has been found in Colchester.

“We would advise people to be wary about this sort of vodka and contact us if they know where it is being sold.

“Fake alcohol is a serious problem and people should remember that if the low price appears too good to be true, it may be an illegal product.”

Police will work with Trading Standards to investigate the matter.