A COUPLE are £500 out of pocket after buying a laptop case which was actually full of bottles of pop.

The man and woman were out shopping when they were approached outside the Tesco supermarket at Clifton Moor Retail Park and asked if they wanted to buy a laptop computer.

They told police they had seen the laptop and it was in good condition. The conman even produced a receipt to show it was not stolen.

The couple withdrew the £500 asking price from a cash machine and claimed they saw the laptop being placed in the bag.

But when they got home and opened the laptop bag they found it actually contained three two-litre bottles of fizzy drinks.

PC Helen Kerry, of York Police, who is investigating the case, warned people about buying items from strangers when they don’t have an address or telephone number. She also asked any witnesses or anyone with any other information to come forward.

PC Kerry said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the transaction, which occurred on November 13 at about 3:50pm, or anyone who has had a similar encounter, to get in touch. We would also warn people to be on their guard when buying second-hand goods, especially approaches from strangers with no address or contact information.”

The suspected conman was driving a black Ford Fiesta and is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, with dark curly hair and a dark moustache. He had an English accent with no particular local accent.

He was wearing a long-sleeved grey jacket with dark, chunky grey stripes and blue denim jeans.

Anyone who recognises the man, has had a similar experience or can provide any information, should phone PC Kerry on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.