A PETROL station has been raided by police following complaints from a number of customers that money had been taken from their accounts.

A Worcester solicitor is among customers who complained to West Mercia police over the weekend about a possible card skimming fraud at the Murco garage in Wychbold, near Droitwich.

Rob McRory, who regularly defends people at Worcester Magistrates Court, says more than £400 was taken from his account, after he filled up his car on Saturday morning .

He paid by debit card, asked for £20 cashback, and then went on his way. However, two days later, Mr McRory had a telephone call from HSBC to say his card had been used in Denmark.

He said: "My bank called and asked if I was in Denmark. When I told them I wasn't they informed me that my card had been used three times in a town called Oberhausen."

Mr McRory's card had been used at 7.23pm on Saturday for a transaction of £196.88, then again at 7.24pm for a transaction of £31.50. The following day, on Sunday, his card was used for another transaction of £196.88.

He said: "I immediately telephoned police, who went to investigate at the garage. I just want to warn other people about this.

"My bank will reimburse me, so it is not about the money, but I think people should be aware."

"I covered my PIN when I paid as I am aware of this sort of thing, being a solicitor, but they still managed to clone and use my card."

A spokesman for south Worcestershire police said they had received a "number of phone calls from people who had found discrepancies with their bank account" over the weekend.

He said: "A search of the garage took place on Sunday, June 1, when a number of items were seized. Officers are investigating reports and appeal for anyone with information to contact Worcester CID on 08457 444888."

The spokesman said the investigation was in "very early stages" and could not confirm if a card skimming device was among the items that had been seized.

Khalib Khan, manager at the Droitwich Road filling station, said: "I am aware of the police investigation and I cannot say any more about it. I don't know what has happened and we will be carrying out our own investigation as well."