Police and trading standards officers are trying to track down a gang that conned thousands of pounds from unsuspecting customers in a TV scam.

Other victims of the rip-off have come forward since The Argus reported how Samuel Mamane, 67, paid £1,000 to two Irishmen believing he was picking up a bargain.

Diana Reynolds, of Seaford, said her brother had been talked into handing over £170 for what he thought was a new TV, DVD player and mini hi-fi.

She said once he had unwrapped the items he discovered they were damaged.

The TV had no tube, the DVD was a CD player and the mini system did not work.

She said: "The articles were shrink-wrapped and there were leaflets advertising expensive equipment tucked inside, which looked impressive but bore no resemblance to the goods."

James, who lives in Portslade and refused to give his surname, said: "Sadly, I too succumbed and, against my better judgement, purchased fortunately only one TV set from the salesmen.

"It lasted about two hours before it went on the blink."

Mr Mamane, who was left with eight useless 28in televisions and 11 video recorders, said: "I want to warn other people not to be taken in and I want to see these men caught."

Police are warning people only to purchase electrical equipment from reputable sources.

Mr Mamane was given a receipt in the name of Patrick Ward by the van owner. Police traced the registration number of the van to a caravan site in Doncaster but there was no trace of a Patrick Ward.

He was also given a mobile phone number that turned out to be the number for HST Distributors, a legitimate firm based in London which sells ex-rental TVs.

Sgt Steve Barry, of Hove police, said: "This is becoming a more frequent problem and we would urge people not to buy equipment of this kind from someone who approaches them in the street."

Ray Moore, principal trading standards officer for the city council, said: "We're consulting with police on this particular matter and would like to hear from any other people who have been targeted."