CONMEN playing a 2000-year-old sleight-of-hand game are swindling tourists and students out of hundreds of pounds.

During the last two months police have received a high number of calls about a "three cup game" operating in Brighton and Hove city centre and on the seafront and police have warned people to be aware that it is a scam.

Inspector Brian McCarthy explained: "A three cup scammer will normally operate with a small mat, three small cups and a small sponge ball. 

"The ball is placed under a cup and the cups are moved around the mat. The ball is often shown during movement.

"The customer is then asked to guess what cup is hiding the ball, but not before having to give between £20 and £50 with the chance to double your money if you guess the correct location of the ball. 

"However at the last moment and using sleight of hand the ball is removed from the cup.

"Stooges are often used to simulate a winning customer and to draw a crowd."

According to Sussex Police the scam has claimed "many victims" over the summer and large groups of students have been targeted.

Arrests have been made under the Gambling Act and witnesses are encouraged to call the police on 101 and report the game if they see it being played.

Insp McCarthy finished: "Don’t be taken in, this is a con and a total waste of money. If you see it report it."