Three businesses are under investigation in Barking and Dagenham after they were caught selling vapes to young people aged 13 to 14.

A council operation took place on Friday December 30 where young people visited 15 businesses to try and buy vapes.

Twelve businesses passed the test, refusing to sell to the young people, while three shops failed and sold vapes to the teenagers.

READ MORE: Barking and Dagenham seize £20k illegal tobacco and medicine

Cllr Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: "There are many products that are not allowed to be sold to people under the age of 18 and vapes are included.

"Vapes are addictive and can lead to people smoking other products, which could have an adverse impact on people's health. 

"It's important that we protect our young residents by taking action on businesses that are not following the rules."

The three businesses are now under investigation and face being prosecuted for breaking the law.

It is illegal to sell cigarettes or vapes with nicotine to anyone aged under 18 and the business and salesperson can be prosecuted for this.

The council's trading standards run several operations to investigate whether businesses are selling cigarettes, alcohol or vapes to young people.