ITEMS seized from criminals including a Mercedes-Benz, Rolex watches and golden bracelets were auctioned off earlier for more than £110,000.

The variety of 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 hundreds of people and watched online by almost 200.

Fifty-eight items were sold this evening for an eyewatering £117,600.

The original asking price for the most expensive item - a Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE - was £45,000, but a bidding war erupted and brought it up to £55,250. Other items included an 18ct yellow gold pocket watch which sold for £2,500, a Girard Perregaux watch sold for £6,500, two bottles of Harrods champagne sold for £350 and a Rolex Submariner fetched £6,900.

Aidan Larkin, who is the head of asset recovery, said: "I would like to thank so many people for coming this evening.

"There is a variety of items which people can buy.

"The unreserved government auction at Wilsons Auctions Newport, the only of its kind in Great Britain, continues to deliver such a variety range of luxury goods, all with no reserve. From luxury cars, high-value watches and designer clothing to jewellery, champagne and much more, this is a great opportunity for bidders to purchase quality goods for an affordable price."

"Items that feature in this auction include government repossession and proceeds of crime-related assets, all of which will be sold to the highest bidder with no reserve.

"With your support, our government auctions have returned in excess of £100 million back into the public purse and we look forward to building on that figure in the future."