OVER-ZEALOUS British Customs Officials have left a North West Euro MP seeing red.

Mr David Sumberg, a former MP for Bury South, has written to Chancellor Gordon Brown and the European Commission to complain about their rigourous actions.

Mr Sumberg said that EU law stated there was no limit on the amount of cigarettes and alcohol which can be brought into the UK for personal use.

But he has received several letters from disgruntled constituents about Customs officials applying the rules too strictly.

Mr Sumberg said: "Holidaymakers are coming into British ports in the knowledge that there are no limits, only to be interrogated and have goods confiscated.

"It's terribly confusing and, at times, frightening for law-abiding people and I've written to Gordon Brown seeking clarification on where the Government stands on this.

"As well as being questioned for long periods, people are having their cars and baggage rifled through. It really is thoroughly unpleasant and is putting people right off travelling.

"Customs are over-stepping the mark by a long way here. It appears a lot of stock is being confiscated quite arbitrarily."

It is EU law that the burden of proof on determining whether goods are for personal use, lies with Customs and not the traveller, added Mr Sumberg.