A shop in Barking has been caught selling a knife to a 14-year-old.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The knife which was sold to the 14-year-old volunteer. Picture: LBBDThe knife which was sold to the 14-year-old volunteer. Picture: LBBD (Image: Archant)

Poundsave in Ripple Road was forced to pay nearly £8,000 after Barking and Dagenham’s trading standards team did a test purchase, where a teenage volunteer was sent into the store.

He was sold a knife by an employee, which was seized, and trading standards officers immediately entered the shop.

At Barkingside Magistrates Court last Friday, the store owner, Safi Husain, pleaded guilty and Poundsave had to pay a £6,000 fine, £1,656 to the council and a £175 victim surcharge.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Knife crime is a huge concern, not just in Barking and Dagenham but across London and we want everybody playing their part.

“This business has been hit hard in the pocket and our action sends out a clear message that no-one is exempt.

“I want to assure everyone in the borough that we are doing everything we can to ensure our borough is safe.”