BUSINESS owners are being warned to be on the lookout for fake £20 notes which have come into circulation.

Police said they have received a number of reports about the counterfeit currency being used in Pendle.

A police spokesman said: “Attention to everyone in Pendle, we have been made aware of a number of fake £20 notes in circulation. To check for these fakes look at the serial number and the watermark. The fake notes all have the serial number SY75 843008 (in this case) which can be found on the rear of the note.

“Also check the watermark as the fake ones have a very faint image of the queen’s head.

“Do not accept these notes. If anyone tries to use these to purchase anything from you remember you have the authority to seize them without exchanging or supplying goods or services and present these to the police for destruction.

“Trying to use these notes in person or through a machine is a criminal offence and anyone caught doing so will be arrested and prosecuted by the police.”