Seven businesses were tested to see if they would illegally sell vapes to people aged under 18.

The shops in Collier Row, Hornchurch, Upminster and Romford, were targeted by teenage volunteers helping out Havering Council in a crackdown of retailers selling vapes and other age-restricted goods to young people.

All businesses that were visited refused to sell an e-cigarette to the teenagers.

Had they sold the goods, they would have been issued a warning for its first offence. Council officers would then work with them to ensure they comply to the regulations, the council said.

All businesses are revisited and any further failures may result in a review of their licence or prosecution.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “We’re pleased to see that our local businesses are helping to keep our young people safe and not sell goods such as vapes to those underage.

“We will continue to carry out these visits to businesses to ensure that this is the case going forward.

“Our businesses should know that we will take the strongest action on those that don’t comply and if necessary, prosecute. We also offer support and guidance to all our businesses to help them comply.”