A MAN has been arrested after reports that he was was attempting to use fake £50 notes at several shops in Winchester.

At around 3.30pm yesterday, police in Winchester stopped a man on the High Street and conducted a search.

This came after reports that someone had made made attempts to use fake currency at a number of stores in the city centre.

A quantity of suspected counterfeit notes were seized.

Winchester Police posted on Facebook yesterday: "We just wanted to update you that a male in his 30’s has been arrested by local officers for carrying a quantity of fake £50 notes today.

Reports were made by local businesses about the male who had attempted to make small purchases and was subsequently stopped by local PCSOs before he was arrested. Thank you to all our local stores and retailers who reported this to us."

A 32-year-old man from Ryton-On-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and possession of an article for use in fraud.

He remains in custody at this time.