WITH the spirit of Christmas just around the corner, people are being warned about the dangers of buying fake whisky.

Bottles of counterfeit Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky have been contaminated with methanol, which can cause comas and blindness, as well as severe abdominal pains and breathing problems.

Trading standards officers are asking people to check the bottle before they buy as well as checking any they have at home.

The fake bottles have rear labels in Spanish and the fake code LO4P24878342. They have no E-mark in the base between 700ml and 73mm and the word "Distillers" in the Royal Warrant on the neck of the bottle is misquoted as "Distilleries".

Anyone who has a bottle or has seen any on sale should call the council's food safety team on 020 8303 7777 ext 5142.