Alton Towers has issued out a warning over a scam urging people to take part in a competition to win free tickets.

Scammers are targeting families by running a bogus promotion via social media.

The promotion has been circulating via a WhatsApp message in recent days, the Birmingham Mail reports.

The scam spoofs the theme park's website and offers five tickets to the first 500 families who apply.

Once they click on the link, people have to answer a series of questions before being asked to share the offer via WhatsApp and enter their details.

To make the scam more believable, there are reminders that the tickets are running out and there are also Facebook posts from supposedly happy customers who have already been successful with their application.

Alton Towers has acted by putting a warning on its website about the fraud.

Alton Towers

A statement on the Alton Towers website reads: "We are aware of a ticket offer being shared on social media that claims to be from Alton Towers Resort.

"This is NOT a genuine offer, or in any way affiliated with Alton Towers.

"Action is being taken to remove this offer and we urge guests not to share their personal details or forward the offer to their contacts.

"The safest way to buy tickets is always to go directly to our website."