Agents for Sir Richard Branson's satellite television giant Virgin Media (formerly NTL Telewest), supported by Wigan police, swooped on the weekly Advance Computer Fair at Robin Park Sports Centre in Wigan to the surprise of customers.

They were then seen to remove packaging to check and record serial numbers before removing more than 40 set-top decoder boxes which were believed to be Virgin Media-branded.
The traders, who were both from the Leigh area and in charge of one stall, are said to be regulars at the event. They were escorted out to a waiting police vehicle.

A spokesman for Wigan police said: "Two people were arrested under the Fraud Act after officers were asked to attend the Robin Park Sports Complex.
"A 58-year-old woman and 56-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of copyright offences. They have been bailed until August 5."
There was no one available from Advance Computer Fairs to comment. A spokesman for Virgin Media said that because the police investigation into the equipment was ongoing they were unable to comment.