POLICE are investigating a customer’s allegation that he was threatened by a controversial car dealer yesterday after he demanded a refund.

Hampshire Constabulary last night confirmed they were probing claims of a nuisance call made by Richard Burbage – something that the 40-year-old car dealer adamantly refutes.

It comes after this newspaper revealed Mr Burbage and Stan Rudgley are believed to be back in business, trading as Valley Cars in the same premises as a dress and lingerie store called Ophelia’s Boutique in Botley Mills that belongs to Mr Burbage’s wife Lorraine.

Daily Echo: Richard Burbage

Mr Rudgley and Mr Burbage have been connected to a number of firms that closed down amid mounting fury over faulty cars they were selling.

Scores of angry customers are demanding tens of thousands of pounds from them after they claim they were sold defective cars and handed refund cheques that bounced.

Among them is Mark Randall, from Southampton, who yesterday visited the Botley store in an attempt to speak to the dealers. He told the Daily Echo he wanted to ask for a refund for money he was owed regarding his car.

After being told they were not available he left the premises and shortly after he claims he received the threats during a conversation with Mr Burbage on his mobile phone.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said last night: “I can confirm that we have an ongoing investigation into a report of nuisance communication.”

Trading Standards are continuing to investigate in what has been described as one of the biggest cases of its kind for decades.

Daily Echo: Stan Rudgley

They are dealing with complaints from at least 60 customers that centre around the activities of Hampshire Vehicle Sales and Woolston Car Supermarket in Hazel Road.

Mr Burbage last night strongly refuted the allegations and insisted he did not make any threats. He said: “I have not spoken to the guy, I have not spoken to anyone.”