CHILDREN are getting their hands on violent and sexual computer games with alarming ease, an investigation has revealed.

Durham County Council's trading standards service targeted ten retailers, including supermarkets and video and electronic goods shops.

They used undercover 13-year-old volunteers, who tried to buy both 15 and 18 classified video computer games.

Phillip Holman, the county's head of trading standards, said that half of the stores sold games to the underage youngsters.

He said: "Alarmingly, the volunteers managed to make successful test purchases in five of the ten shops."

Increased use of video clips in games mean that many more computer games are now covered by age restrictions.

Many clips contain scenes of sex and violence and are therefore given an age rating in the same way that films are classified. These games are deemed not suitable for younger children.

It is also suggested there may be a link between playing violent games and violent behaviour.

"As a result of the operation, five sellers are being investigated for offences committed under the Video Recordings Act," said Mr Holman.

"Traders and individuals who sell age-restricted computer games to children risk being taken to court and, if found guilty, could be fined up to a maximum of £5,000 and sentenced to six months in prison.

"Hopefully, this will send out a strong message to all traders not to sell age-restricted video games to children."

He said it was essential sellers asked for proof of a person's age.