ITEMS seized from criminals including a sports car and Rolex watches were auctioned off this evening for more than £100,000

The luxury goods had once been the property of criminals, but since seized by law enforcement agencies and auctioned off with the resulting proceeds being paid as compensation to the victims of fraud.

The auction, which was held at Newport-based Wilsons Auctions, was attended by crowds of people.

More than 110 items were sold and fetched £113,925.

The most expensive item of the night - a Audi Rs3 Quattro - went for £25,800. While four Rolex watches fetched £22,100.

Aidan Larkin, group asset recovery manager, said: "Our government auctions have helped the company to raise in excess of £85 million in recent years which has been returned back into the public purse.

"The lots included in our monthly government auctions are always varied, interesting and include items such as supercars, planes, yachts, gold bars, luxury watches, designer goods, exclusive jewellery, land, property and much more."