CUSTOMS officers have seized two vehicles found to be running on illegal fuel after an operation in Westbury.

Officials made the discoveries as part of a five-day campaign across the west that saw checks on more than 500 motorists and 11 seizures.

In Westbury officers seized a Vauxhall Brava and a 7.5 tonne Leyland DAF lorry as the operation ran from March 2-7.

Six of the 11 vehicles impounded in the west were found to be running on red diesel, which is normally used in agricultural machinery. The black market in the illegal fuel is estimated to cost the Government £450m in lost tax revenue a year.

Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "This latest operation shows Customs' mobile teams operating flexibly, with the support of police, to tackle fraud and other crimes in all parts of the west of England.

"It is important to show people that we will take action against anyone found using fuel illegally in their vehicles. At the end of the day, these dishonest activities are to the detriment of local businesses, the honest taxpayer and our public services.

"The number of positive detections, in relation to the amount of tests carried out, indicates that our warnings not to use illegal fuel are getting through to the public."