RESIDENTS are being warned not to fall for a lottery scam which appears to be backed by Lancashire police.

Letters have been sent out to random members of the public stating that they have won a £70,000 lottery prize.

The letter, from a company called Atlantic International Sweepstakes and Lotteries Ltd, asks the person to make a payment of several hundred pounds so that their "winnings" can be released.

A faked letter from Lancashire Constabulary is also included, claiming that the force has investigated the company and that the company is genuine.