A MASSIVE gems fraud centred on Manchester railway stations is being investigated by police.

One businessman handed over £5,000 for fake gems at Manchester's Victoria Station. Another lost £13,500 on worthless stones at Piccadilly station.

The victims are conned into handing over cash for `precious stones' which the fraudsters - thought to be South African - claim to have imported.

One victim spent money he had saved for his son's education. Another paid with funds for his daughter's wedding.

The `diamonds', `rubies' and other gems are, in fact, scrapings from the bottom of a glass furnace.

Det Sgt Craig Thomas, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is vitally important that this gang is stopped before more people are conned into handing over large sums of money."

British Transport police believe there are many more victims who have not reported the sting.

Although the handovers take place at stations, the original contacts were made weeks earlier in supermarket car parks or motorway service stations.

Sgt Thomas said: "It is a lengthy process and they spend a lot of time building a relationship.

"They begin by offering a legitimate business deal. They will be approached on the pretext that the offender would like some building work or to discuss the sale of a car.

"Then suddenly, they have a cash-flow problem and out come the stones.

"The victims are certainly not wealthy individuals and we hope the publicity will both stop others being taken in and encourage anyone else who has lost money in this way to get in touch."

Police say the crooks work in gangs of up to six people, including a fake jeweller who `values' the worthless glass in the presence of the victim.

Just over a week ago, a 39-year-old man from the Leeds area was arrested near to Piccadilly station on suspicion of deception and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information, or who has been approached by the gang, should contact DS Thomas at British Transport Police, quoting log number 321 on Freefone 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.