DETECTIVES investigating the sale of Olympic tickets on fraudulent websites are appealing for potential victims to come forward.

Police have closed down the websites 2012-londonsummergames.org and 2012-londonsummergames.com, which have been under investigation since October last year.

Detective Superintendent Nick Downing, head of Operation Podium, which investigates Olympic ticket fraud, said: "The Games are a fantastic sporting event and as we have seen, there has been a huge demand for tickets.

"Unfortunately there will be criminals who seek to exploit this. At this time when the majority of tickets have been sold, the public need to be more wary than ever about buying from an unauthorised source.

"If they are tempted to do so, they run the risk of being ripped off for non-existent tickets or having their personal details stolen and used in other crimes.

"To buy Olympic tickets safely, always visit the London 2012 website (london2012.com) for the latest information on tickets."

Members of the public who bought tickets from the sites are urged to contact Operation Podium at podiumenquiries@met.police.uk