Police were called to Woolworths in Glossop last Monday after forged banknotes were used to purchase electronic equipment.

Staff at the High Street West store alerted police after a man used a quantity of £20 notes to buy an X-Box Elite console.

His description was circulated on the Shopwatch radio system and police carried out a sweep of the area but the man was not found.

He was described by staff as Asian, in his late 20s or early 30s, around 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build. The incident took place at around 5.20pm.

Police have taken the counterfeit banknotes for further study and investigation, but fear more may be in circulation locally

They have urged local shopkeepers and residents to check their banknotes are not forged, by paying particular attention to the paper quality and raised print, the silver metallic thread, the watermark, the print quality, the holographic strip, the ultra-violet features and micro-lettering.

PC Lisa Driver, of the Glossop Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We are asking people to be more vigilant and to just check their wallets and purses for any fake £20 notes.

"We can also supply concerned traders and residents with special UV pens which can check the notes and we would ask people to contact us if they come across any money which appears to be counterfeit."

Anyone with any information about the incident, or about forged banknotes in general, should contact police on 0845 123 3333 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.