[Nikkos]

Police have seized Pete Burns' "gorilla" coat from the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary took action last night after receiving a flood of complaints from viewers of the Channel 4 show.

The Dead Or Alive star has claimed his coat is made from the fur of the endangered animals.

A police spokeswoman said: "Following a number of complaints from members of the public regarding a coat taken into the Big Brother house by Pete Burns, the coat in question has been handed across to police officers from Herts Constabulary.

"The coat will now be tested to determine its origin.

"Herts Constabulary will take positive action to investigate any allegation of criminal activity."

Big Brother asked Burns to hand over the coat.

A show spokesman said: "We have passed the coat to police for investigation. Pete is aware of the situation."

Last week, government minister Jim Knight warned Burns could face jail if the coat turns out to be made from gorilla fur.

Trading in endangered species carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Surgically enhanced singer Burns had a furious row with animal-loving fellow contestant Jodie Marsh over the coat, which she claimed was cruel.