Police seized hundreds of unlicensed vapes, counterfeit cigarettes and some crossbows during a shop inspection.

The discoveries took place at businesses along Chatham High Street, after Medway Council trading standards and environmental health teams, along with the police, went along to check the compliance of disposable e-cigarettes for sale.

Two shops underwent inspection last Friday (May 24) and, in addition to illegal vape and tobacco products, the teams recovered counterfeit watches, nitrous oxide cannisters and a number of crossbows.

PC Corrin Parker, of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: “Illicit tobacco and vaping equipment which don’t meet UK standards are potentially dangerous to the public, and their sale has a detrimental impact on law-abiding businesses.

“The source of and profits made from counterfeit products is also a concern.

“For these reasons, Kent Police will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor what is being sold in our towns and take action to keep residents safe."

Meanwhile, Cllr Tris Osborne, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: “It is really important we continue to work with partner agencies like Kent Police to ensure Medway’s residents have peace of mind when shopping on our high streets.

“I would like to thank the hardworking Medway Council officers, as well as Kent Police, for the important work they do to ensure our residents are kept safe."

Information regarding illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously here or by calling 0300 999 6 999.

If you wish to report the sale of illegal e-cigarette devices, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.