A SUSPECTED counterfeiting ring believed to be distributing fake designer clothes and footwear has been cracked today.

A SUSPECTED counterfeiting ring believed to be distributing fake designer clothes and footwear has been cracked.

In a series of early morning raids, officers from Suffolk police and Suffolk trading standards made three arrests and seized good worth £20,000.

It is believed the group is a large counterfeiting ring working across the county.

Officers executed six warrants at premises across Ipswich. They made three arrests as part of the operation and the three suspects have been released on police bail to return at a later date.

Reg Ruffles who headed up the operation for trading standards said: "This was a successfully executed operation, with officers from trading standards and police working effectively together.

“This ring had the potential to cause significant damage to the local economy.

“It was important that appropriate action was taken to combat the threat."

The investigation is ongoing.