WARNINGS about door-to-door fish sellers have been extended across the county.

Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards officials put out the county-wide appeal for residents to avoid the lure of cold callers selling fish from the back of a van.

It follows reports in Stoke-on-Trent of salesmen using aggressive selling techniques and targeting vulnerable residents.

As reported in The Sentinel on Friday, one elderly woman from Lowhurst Drive in Chell called police claiming she was "talked into" buying £200 of fish.

Trading Standards officials say the fish is commonly over-priced and of poor quality, with a lack of information about its source and shelf life.

They add the van storing the fish is not refrigerated.

County Councillor Ben Adams, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: "We are warning all Staffordshire residents to be aware of this following the incidents in Stoke as the sellers may well approach consumers in other areas of the county.

"While there are some reputable fishmongers who call door to door in local areas, people should be wary of unfamiliar sellers who cold call."

Anyone with suspicions about cold callers can contact Trading Standards on 01785 330356.

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