COLD callers are offering residents ‘fresh’ fish bought from the black market, BCP Council says.

The authority has urged people not to buy from door to door fish sellers.

It says the fish sold comes with no proper packaging, has no date or species information and is unlikely to have been refrigerated.

As well as accepting cash, sellers have been known to use hand-held card machines where they input large amounts hidden from the buyer. No receipts are given, and any business information may be false.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “While there are many legitimate fish sellers trading in the area, con men are starting to pressurise people into buying large amounts of fish at the door for extortionate amounts.

“I would advise everyone never to deal with anyone at their door.

“Cold callers prey on older and more vulnerable people, and very often cannot be traced.”