Three arrested after reports of people selling cheap TVs at Sunderland retail park

Yesterday afternoon police received a report men were trying to sell cheap TVs in Pallion Retail Park.

A short time later a further report was received from a man reporting he had been sold a broken TV.

Police conducted enquiries which led them to the North Moor Road area of Sunderland where officers made three arrests for fraud and false representation.

It is believed the incidents may be linked to other similar incidents across the Northumbria Police area.

The arrested men - aged 33, 26 and 20 - are currently in police custody and enquiries are continuing.

Southern Area Command chief inspector Jerry Pearson said: "These fraudsters play on the vulnerability of members of the public to con them out of cash and often they can be very convincing in their tactics.

"Members of the public have done exactly the right thing in these circumstances and got in contact with us about their concerns.

"Our enquiries led us to the North Moor Road area where three men were arrested and we are not ruling out that more people may be arrested as we uncover the extent of this scam.

"If anyone does have any concerns, or believes they may have been a victim, we would ask them to get in contact with us."

Northumbria Police can be contacted on 101. Please quote reference 475 250516.

Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.