A police operation has revealed an unnamed major retailer in the borough was willing to sell a knife to someone underage.

Eight test purchases were done by Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards in conjunction with the police as part of Operation Sceptre.

Councillor Laila Butt, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Selling knives to youngsters is a serious offence and can result in a prosecution.”

Operation Sceptre has resulted in 2,294 arrests, 473 of which were for possession of a knife or a weapon.

It has also removed 1,435 weapons from the streets of London.

Cllr Butt added: “Officers from Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards are doing some excellent work and will continue to work with the police.

“We need to work together to get knives off our streets and to make our borough a safer place for everyone.”