Bottles of contaminated vodka have been found on sale in shops across Bristol.

Drinkers have been warned that the counterfeit spirit, which has been found on sale in five independent stores in the city, could cause severe illness or even blindness.

The vodka, sold under the Imperial label in 70cl glass bottles are copies of a product normally sold legitimately by Spar.

The bottles were discovered at stores in Cotham, Ashley Down, Easton, Clifton and Stokes Croft after the Food Standards Agency issued a nationwide food alert relating to the drink.

Experts from Bristol City Council's environmental health department were set to check small grocers and off-licences across the city over the weekend to protect the public from the potentially dangerous drink.

The counterfeit vodka contains harmful levels of methanol and an excessive intake of the drink can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness and breathing difficulties.

It can also lead to blurred vision and blindness, which can be permanent.

The fake vodka bottles can be easily distinguished from genuine ones:

Legitimate bottles can only be bought through Spar. Those bought elsewhere are likely to be counterfeit.

The fake vodka carries the mark Q1:1445 C on the bottom rim of the glass bottle.

There is no 'lot' code on the neck of the fake bottles.

The barcode on fakes is horizontal – on genuine bottles it is vertical.

Printing on back label of fake bottles is blurred.

The fake vodka smells similar to nail varnish remover.

If you see any of this vodka for sale, call Bristol City Council on 922 2050. Officials are warning people not to drink the fake vodka, but to seek medical advice if they already have.