Magistrates have ordered a Hartlepool shop to close for repeatedly selling illicit tobacco and cigarettes and illegal vapes.

The three-month order, granted by Teesside Magistrates following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team, applies to the International Food Store in Murray Street.

A court hearing heard that numerous complaints had been received regarding the sale of illicit tobacco from the premises.

A Cleveland Police operation centring on the premises in July also found that a large quantity of illegal tobacco products and vapes were being supplied from the premises.

A total of 400 packets of illegal cigarettes, 154 pouches of illegal tobacco and 155 non-compliant e-cigarettes with a combined street value of approximately £4,780 were seized at the time.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I’d like to thank the Council’s Trading Standards Team and Cleveland Police for their excellent work in gathering the evidence needed to take this matter to court.

“This legal action shows how we are determined to tackle illegal activity such as that occurring at the International Food Store.

“Had the order not been granted, there is no doubt that the criminal behaviour emanating from these premises would have continued, resulting in the continued sale of illicit and illegal products to the detriment of people’s health and local businesses operating within the law.”

At the hearing, costs totalling £2691.89 were awarded to the council.

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Whilst the Closure Order is in force, nobody is allowed access to the premises apart from officers of the local authority.

Anyone who witnesses the order being breached should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.