THOUSANDS of pounds worth of counterfeit computer games and films were seized in a raid on Chester-le-Street market.

Police officers acted jointly with officials from the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact).

They seized 500 compact discs and arrested a 43-year-old stallholder. A subsequent search of his house in Reynolds Close, Stanley, led to the seizure of a further 2,000 counterfeit CDs, and equipment associated with the manufacture of pirate discs.

The man, who has not been named, was interviewed by police and Fact officials. He was released after being reported for offences under the Video Recordings Act, the Trademarks Act, and the Design and Patents Act.

The CDs included the latest and most popular Sony PlayStation and Dreamcast games.