Three shops which have been found selling counterfeit cigarettes and vapes, in some cases to children, have been closed down following an investigation by police.

Carrefoor, Eastern Europe and Stop and Shop, which are all on Shields Road in the Byker area of Newcastle, were investigated following concerns from the public about items on sale at the stores.

Residents in the area had complained about rising anti-social behaviour around the shops and raised concerns about sales of cigarettes and vapes.

Read next: How to get to the front of the queue for 100 jobs at £7.9m County Durham care home

Police officers and officers from Newcastle City Council’s Trading Standards department then carried out a number of test purchases at each store to identify whether or not they were breaking any laws.

Officers found that cigarettes and tobacco being sold at all shops were usually counterfeit, however, there were some non-tax paid products also being sold.

Concerns were also raised that all three shops had been selling illicit cigarettes and vapes not only to adults but to children as young as 10 without asking for forms of identification.

The disposable vapes that can legally be sold in the UK must have 600 puffs or less and contain two per cent of nicotine, but the vapes that are being sold at the stores that were seized by officers were found to have contained up to 9,000 puffs.

Earlier this month, Closure Notices were issued prohibiting access to the shops for 24 hours, with only representatives from the council, the premises’ landlords and the emergency services allowed to enter.

All of the locks were changed and copies of the notices were fixed to the front and rear of the properties.

And last Thursday (June 22), officers from Northumbria Police applied for a Closure Order for all three businesses.

The application was lodged at Newcastle Magistrates' Court and granted, meaning that all three premises will be closed for the next three months.

PC Sam Sharpe, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have a fantastic relationship with the local authority and work closely with them to help improve the lives of residents and businesses in the city.

“Through our investigation, we found that all three shops were found to be selling counterfeit cigarettes and vapes, on occasion to children, and that is simply unacceptable.

“We hope this sends a strong message to businesses who continue to sell illicit products in the community as to the action we will take.”

She added: “All cigarettes are harmful but counterfeit ones come with added risks. They are not produced by licensed companies and contain unknown quantities of chemicals.

“Some people might think that it’s OK to buy counterfeit items and take that risk, but what they don’t see is that the money used from the sale of these items is often used to fund organised crime and further illicit activity.

“As a Force, we are committed to tackling serious and organised crime and will continue to pursue those involved in illegal activity, as well as protecting the public from the potential harmful effects of this type of criminality.”

Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Dynamic City, said: “If you sell illicit cigarettes and vapes, especially to children, then you can expect a visit from us.

“Products which don’t meet UK standards are potentially dangerous and their sale can have a detrimental impact on honest traders.

Read next:

“The activity of these businesses also resulted in an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime in the area which is unacceptable.

“We take the distribution of illegal goods extremely seriously and we are committed to working with partners to take action against those who seek to exploit and cause harm in our communities.”

To report any concerns or suspicious activity to police use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website or call the non-emergency 101 line.