A rat-infested and "unsafe" counterfeit shop in Cheetham Hill was discovered with more than 50 customers trapped inside "against their will" during a raid.

On Sunday, December 18, Greater Manchester Police officers were patrolling the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways area when they saw a man 'acting suspiciously' while trying to close the shutters of a shop on Great Ducie Street.

When officers detained the man and unlocked the doors to the premises, a group of customers then ran out.

There were more members of the public discovered inside three rooms on the second and third floor, all of whom GMP said were held in against their will when the man locked the doors having seen the police.

The property was also found to have "excessive" amounts of rat urine and faeces littered throughout the building, including on the shelves, clothing, underwear and make-up that was being sold.

The basement further contained boxes and bags of items that were being stored in unsanitary conditions that would have been sold.

The shop has been deemed so "unsafe" and unsanitary, it has been served with a prohibition notice.

Officers said they also discovered signs of exploitative labour, such as an underground homemade air conditioning system that staff had made by drilling holes into the pipes on the ceiling.

The Operation Vulcan team conducted a thorough search of the building and bagged an estimated 20 tonnes of replica clothing, shoes, perfumes and make-up.

It took GMP two days to seize all the items from the shop.

Manchester City Council trading standards staff and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were also in attendance to offer support.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “The state of this building was disgusting and so structurally unsafe.

"My team found members of the public trapped on the top floor with no means of escape."

DS Blackwood said it wasn't the first time GMP have "rescued" members of the public from these buildings.

He added: “I urge people to think twice about entering these shops.

"With our presence increasing, the shop owners are becoming increasingly nervous and quick to lock the doors, no matter who is inside.

“By entering these shops, not only are you putting yourself in danger and at risk of the volatile staff, but you’re funding serious organised crime which is having a devastating impact on the local community.

“These people do not care for your welfare; they’re simply trying to make some quick cash.”

David Minto, Protection Manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We’re working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police on Operation Vulcan and our Fire Safety Officers are conducting fire safety inspections within the premises they’re raiding.

"Our fire safety inspectors attended this property and deemed it so unsafe, a prohibition notice has been served.

"Together we’re working hard to rid Greater Manchester of this illegal and dangerous activity that blights communities.”