FAKE religious water laced with arsenic has been found on sale in Blackburn.

Trading Standards bosses discovered fraudulent Zamzam water had been on sale at one un-named shop in the borough following a nationwide alert.

The Well of Zamzam is a well located in Mecca, near the Holy Ka'bah, and is considered sacred by Muslims.

According to Islamic tradition, the well was shown to Hagar, wife of Abraham, when she was in search of water to feed Ishmael.

The well is said to be the source of a life-giving water that can satisfy both hunger and thirst, and cure illness.

Recent scientific study has revealed that it contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, as well as high amounts of fluoride.

Each year, during the Pilgrimage, millions of people fill up their large water canisters through special taps and take it back home to distribute among relatives and friends. Because it cannot be legally exported from Saudi Arabia, other than for personal use by Muslims who have collected it themselves, a market has developed for imitation Zamzam water, often filled with traces of poison. Arsenic can play a part in bringing on cancer in people who come into contact with it. Blackburn with Darwen Council Trading Standards chiefs believe the arrival of Ramadan, Islam's holy month, has led to shops selling the fake water in the borough.

Arsenic can remain in the water for up to five years

The shopkeeper who admitted selling it has now stopped after a visit from Trading Standards bosses.