Make sure you don't fall for this mattress SCAM that's doing the rounds in Sheffield

Residents have warned that a van driver has been stopping residents in the S6 area of Sheffield asking if they're interested in buying mattresses.

This sale was first highlighted as a scam by Jeremy Vine on his BBC Radio 2 show in 2014.

Listeners across the country revealed that they had been tricked into buying used or fake mattresses from rogue traders selling out of the back of their vans.

The Local Government Association also issued warnings over the scam, revealing many of the mattresses had been imported without the proper safety certificates.

In April 2016, Dorset County Council prosecuted a man for possessing 213 mattresses that failed fire safety tests.

One resident posted on Sheffield Forum: "If you live in The S6 area beware of the van driver who stopped me this morning and asked 'I’ve been delivering goods to some flats round the corner. Are you interested in buying a mattress at half price?'

"I said no because this is a scam which was on TV some years ago .

"The mattresses are of inferior quality and are even sometimes returned mattresses that people have tried out at home.

"My friend got caught out with this scam and, on inspecting the mattress in her bedroom found that the polythene cover had been cut open then sealed up again."

Other residents had warned that the mattress scam had spread to the S5 area.

Simon Blackburn, the chairman of the LGA's safer and stronger communities board, told the BBC: "These fly-by-night sellers don't care about the risks these mattresses pose.

"They just want to make a quick buck and leave you with phoney details so they can't be traced.

"These mattresses may be described as memory foam but are carefully wrapped so you have no idea what you are buying.

"They generally fail fire safety tests and are often worn-out, dirty and unhygienic items destined for the tip.

"Anyone offered a cheap mattress on their doorstep should not buy one."