A North-East MP has found himself drawn into a global fraud.

Sir Stuart Bell's name has been used by fraudsters in a complex internet scam.

Using the MP's name as a cover con artists have fleeced unsuspecting vendors of racehorses, boats and luxury cars to part company with their cash.

Sir Stuart was unaware crooks were impersonating him until alerted by a woman in Alabama in the southern United States who had nearly lost $5,000 to the fraudsters.

Sir Stuart, Labour MP for Middlesbrough, said: "I had thought that this was a bit of a joke or prank when I first heard I was alleged to be seeking to buy a thoroughbred racehorse but clearly this is more serious.

"I am saddened that there have been those taken in by the fraud and that they have lost money.

"I will of course be speaking directly with Scotland Yard and providing them with any help I can."

Under the fraud British-based conmen claiming to be Sir Stuart reply to Internet ads for expensive items such as horses, cars, speedboats and motor homes.

Believing it to be a genuine order from an English knight and a Member of the British Parliament, the sellers - often in America - have been delighted to agree to the deal.

But the deal is a con and sellers find themselves massively out of pocket.

Scotland Yard has asked internet provider Yahoo to close down the phoney e-mail address used by the criminals.