POLICE are investigating a forged banknote scam in the Wootton Bassett area.

They have a CCTV still of a man they want to speak to in connection with the series of incidents.

He was caught on camera after a forged £50 Bank of Scotland note was passed over the counter at Londis store in Lyneham.

He is described as aged between 18 and 25 and was wearing a grey Nike T-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

There have been three incidents involving the Scottish notes in Wootton Bassett and one in Lyneham, as well as in Marlborough and Trowbridge.

Sgt Andy Fortune, of Wootton Bassett police, said the same person may have been responsible for all of them.

"It may be the same offender each time or it may be a number of people," he said.

"They buy something small such as chewing gum, to get as much change as possible.

"The quality of the forged notes is quite good but the paper is inferior."

He added that he expected those responsible to target pubs as well as shops.

All three Wootton Bassett incidents happened on October 4 and 5.

Sia Bagheri, manager of the Shell Garage in the High Street, said: "A guy came in and picked up some goods worth about £6.

"He brought out a Scottish £50 note.

"The cashier didn't use a detector pen, and accepted his money."

When Mr Bagheri checked the cash later that day he spotted the forgery and went to the police.

"To me it was quite obvious because there were two pieces of paper glued together, with a hollow bit between them.

"It was only obvious to me because I have been banking money for many years, but I think nine out of ten people would be fooled by it."

The man made off with around £44.

Another Wootton Bassett shop targeted was Iceland.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "We take the issue of counterfeit very seriously.

"This is an issue that concerns everyone, not just Iceland. We are co-operating with the police on this matter."

The third incident in Wootton Bassett was at the BP Spar garage in Swindon Road.

The forgeries used so far have had one of two serial numbers AB036536 or AA613551.

Sgt Fortune said: "Anybody who is offered a Scottish £50 note should contact us immediately on 01793 852213 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."