Three Byker shops have been closed down after they were found to be selling counterfeit cigarettes and vapes, in some cases to children.
Carrefoor, Eastern Europe, and Stop and Shop, all of which are on Shields Road, were investigated following concerns from the public about items on sale at the stores. Residents had complained about rising anti-social behaviour around the shops and raised concern about sales of cigarettes and vapes - including that shops were selling vapes to children as young as 10 without asking for any form of identification.
Hoards of youths are said to have flocked to Byker to buy vapes, even though it is illegal to sell them to under-18s - though nicotine-free products can currently be sold. One dad even admitted to feeling "powerless" to stopping his daughter travelling from Whitley Bay to Byker to pick up e-cigarettes.
