Police in the Australian state of Queensland are investigating the discovery of a large sum of cash in a suitcase at a local charity shop.

A total of AUS$50,000 (€39,567) was found inside the bag when a man tried to buy it. The suitcase itself is valued at around AUS$5.

Senior Sergeant Peter McGregor told ABC that police are trying to find the owner.

"A person had entered a shop and attempted to purchase a suitcase" he said. "The contents were looked at inside and a large quantity of cash was located" he said.

He added that the police are now in possession of the money and enquiries are on-going.