Festive shoppers could have the smiles wiped off their faces after the latest imitation goods were discovered at Stansted airport.

Counterfeit Crest teeth whitening strips valued at almost £9,000 were recently uncovered by officials at the airport, along with almost 400 pairs of fake Nike trainers worth more than £36,000.

The discoveries come after imitation Disney dolls and pencil cases from the box-office hit Frozen, as well fake construction brick kits were seized in August and September this year.

James Morgan, border force deputy director at Stansted Airport, said:

“Counterfeiters know what the ‘must have’ toys are each year and, as our seizures at Stansted demonstrate, are happy to ruin a child’s Christmas with inferior products in their attempts to cash in.

“If there is a demand for a product the counterfeiters will look to capitalise, whether that is with a toy, a fashion item or a cosmetic dental product.

“Our advice would always be that if the price appears too good to be true – either at a car boot sale, a market stall or online – it probably is.”

Once items are seized, the border force works with the owners of big brands to establish whether or not goods are genuine. If they are fake, the goods are destroyed and the rights holders can then decide whether to privately prosecute the importers.

Anyone who has been sold counterfeit goods or knows someone who is selling them should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.