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Forty-two-thousand items of leisure wear carrying fake labels from most of the big brand clothing manufacturers were found in a lock-up in the Red Bank area following a tip-off to trading standards officers.

They include tops, sweatshirts, coats and designer wear falsely branded as Fred Perry, Timberland, Henry Lloyd, Nike, Rockport, Moschino and Lacoste.

All the clothing has been moved to a secure location to be catalogued. Around 20 people, mainly trading standards officers, were involved in the seizure which took two days to complete following a court warrant to enter the property.

Councillor Richard Leese, Manchester City Council leader pointed out that the crime was not only against the manufacturers but also against consumers who may have ended up buying clothing they would later find to be fake.

He said: "It is the kind of activity which could threaten jobs and undermine economies in areas where the clothing manufacturers operate and it short changes taxpayers by evading duty.

"This latest seizure should be a warning to those criminals involved in counterfeiting - we will not only seize your fake clothing but pursue you with the utmost vigour."