Newspaper staff in Bridlington were conned by a trickster into running an obituary for a man who was very much alive.

Butcher Antony Scott is considering legal action against the culprit after distressed friends began sending condolence cards to his family.

The death notice, which appeared in the Bridlington Free Press, has caused distress on all sides.

One read: “Scott – Antony (Scottie). You will be greatly missed, old friend. See you again – Arthur Smith, Jack and Daniel.

The second notice, allegedly from workmates, read: “Forever in our hearts, we’ll miss you always. Love and farewell.”

Mr Scott added: “The newspaper staff apologised and gave me the name of the person who placed the notice.

“It was someone I don’t know well. The person responsible doesn’t realise the harm he’s caused.”

Bridlington Free Press editor Selwyn Dunford said: “Our staff believed the notice was genuine.

“The person who placed it told them that Mr Scott lived away and had no family, which was why his mates wanted to make the tribute.

“Staff believed it was genuine, went through all the correct procedure, and took the advert in good faith.”

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