Police are to sell £18,500 worth of designer trainers which belonged to a convicted criminal so the proceedings can go towards fighting crime.

The expensive haul of 55 pairs were seized by Gloucestershire Constabulary following the arrest of a man who was linked to an ongoing investigation where a firearm was discharged.

The items, which include designer brands such as Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo, were recovered from an address in Gloucester following the arrest of 22-year-old Isaiah Hanson-Frost.

He was charged with possession of criminal property however he pleaded not guilty to this offence and during a hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on 23 November he agreed to disclaim the trainers to the Force.

Under the Police Property Act Gloucestershire Constabulary is now able to sell these items at auction.

Force Crime Operations Detective Inspector Dave Shore-Nye said: "We often see the reason for someone to commit crime is down to their own personal greed and to make money.

"We are keen to put a stop to anyone who is living a lavish lifestyle which has been funded through crime and this shows the level Gloucestershire Constabulary will go to in order to strip a criminal of their assets and then put the money to good use."

Funding receipts collected from the Police Property Act and subsequent disposal is managed through the Commissioner's Fund and awarded on an annual basis by the Police and Crime Commissioner to the High Sheriff's Fund.

Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: "Money from the High Sheriff's fund is used to support projects within the county that prevent, deter and divert young people away from criminality. It helps finance around 30 projects a year and a member of my office sits on the funding panel.

"Some of the money also goes towards the 'Getting Court scheme', an initiative which enables local students from 15 - 18 to attend Gloucester Crown Court and witness the effects of a real trial. The experience is not only educational but also shows the consequences of making the wrong choice later in life."

Hanson-Frost, of Millbrook Street, Gloucester was jailed for six years in April after he admitted being in possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and violent disorder. The offences relate to an incident in Chase Lane Industrial Estate in November 2017 where a firearm was discharged.

He had further been charged with possession of criminal property, namely training shoes, and denied this charge at court last month. Judge Ian Lawrie QC formally entered a not guilty verdict after the prosecution did not proceed with the case.

Hanson-Frost is able to retain any Nike trainers valued at less than £100.