FIVE people have been arrested by police investigating the fraudulent supply of bus tickets in Brighton and Hove.

Officers raided two properties in the city yesterday as part of a probe into the sale of fake tickets.

Police said those involved could have netted tens of thousands of pounds from the scheme.

Two men, aged 21 and 24, and three woman, aged 20, 24 and 46, all from Brighton, were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences.

The 24-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

Two were released under investigation, the other three remained in custody on Friday afternoon.

Police have been working closely with Brighton and Hove Buses, the victim of the counterfeiting operation.

Crime investigator Dianna Harman oversaw the operation.

She said: “Quite often these types of deals happen online.

“If they look to good to be true, they almost certainly are.

“Anyone with information about the supply of fake tickets is asked to report online at sussex.police.uk/appealresponse or call 101 quoting serial 1638 of 11/05.”

Police confirmed a 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation; conspire to commit fraud by false representation; acquire/use/possess criminal property and possess/control article for use in fraud.

Last night she was released under investigation.

A 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

At the time of going to press he was still in custody.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and possession of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis. He was released under investigation.

A 24-year-old woman and a 46-year-old woman were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Both remained in custody at the time of going to press.

Anyone who thinks they may have been bought a fraudulent ticket should contact police on 101.