A SHOP in Colchester has been cleared of selling illicit vodka.

The shop was raided by police and Trading Standards after suspicions were raised about the alcohol.

It was feared it could contain dangerous chloroform and a warning about the potential danger was issued by Essex Police.

However, test results have shown the vodka was safe and legally purchased.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “Bottles of Russian Empire vodka seized from a shop in Colchester town centre on August 23 have now been tested by Essex County Council Trading Standards.

“The tests show they were not contaminated and the items have been returned to the shop owner.

“Police acted in good faith following the concerns raised by a member of the public and worked quickly with Trading Standards to investigate.”

The owner, who the Gazette has agreed not to name, said: “It is a relief, although I knew I had not done anything wrong.

“They called me to tell me the results.

“It was frustrating and they have only returned eight of the 14 bottles they seized.

“It was not a nice experience.

“I had customers coming in and worried it was fake vodka.

“They should have done the testing before they said anything.

It is wrong.”

The manager estimates it has cost him about £100 in lost produce.

despite not having done anything wrong and is hoping to get the money back.

The warning about the potential danger was issued after the vodka was seized in the interests of public safety.