POLICE have been informed after reports that a man has been selling mattresses from the back of his van and claiming falsely that he is from a legitimate business based in Tavistock.

The 'man and van' was seen in Bere Alston on Saturday, and later in the Tavistock area, telling potential customers that he and the mattresses are from Tavistock Bed Centre.

Andrew Bulley, Tavistock Bed Centre's joint owner and whose business in Plymouth Road Industrial Estate has been established for more than 15 years, this week told the Times he is anxious to assure the public that the 'man and van' has nothing to do with his business.

He said: 'It has come to our attention a van has been circulating in and around Tavistock selling mattresses at a greatly reduced price using our name.

'We can categorically confirm we do not sell from a van; the only way to purchase a mattress from us is through our showroom.'

Mr Bulley said he understands false rumours have been spread by the mysterious van salesman that Tavistock Bed Centre is closing, which he wants to emphasise to the public is untrue.

He told the Times that similar scams of 'salesmen' falsely using the cover of legitimate local firms to sell products have been reported in other parts of the country.

Mr Bulley has contacted Tavistock police about these incidents.

A spokeman for the police said: 'We always advise people to be wary of door to door selling.

'If something you are offered is too good to be true, then normally it is!

'We advise people to buy only from recognised suppliers.'