Illegal vapes 'sold from car boot' left boy ill

Illegal vapes being sold from a car boot left a child needing hospital treatment, a councillor has claimed.

Victoria Holloway, from Thurrock Council in Essex, said an investigation took place after an anonymous report was made by the boy's mother.

More than six million illegal vaping products have been seized by Trading Standards officers across England over the past three years, with almost 45,000 in Thurrock.

Labour councillor Holloway said it had become a "public health issue", adding: "It's very, very frightening to see what's in these illegal vapes."

The illicit goods often contain a higher amount of nicotine and are capable of allowing the user more puffs.

People have been urged not to use them as the true content - and any possible health risk - is unknown.

Holloway told BBC Essex there had been several "really sad" incidents in Thurrock, including the boy who needed hospital treatment.

"As a result of that, the team surveilled the premises and officers actually saw them selling these vapes from the back of a car boot," she said.

"That premises was issued a closure notice.

"Thankfully that young boy is OK, but it just shows how scary it is."

New analysis by the BBC has been looking at the scale of the problem across England.

Officers have found illegal vapes hidden inside fake fuse boxes and tiled panels, as well as fridges and barbecues.

Raids in Southend-on-Sea also uncovered goods concealed behind cavity walls.

According to Trading Standards, non-compliant vapes can be anything with tank sizes greater than 2ml, a nicotine strength of more than 20ml - or labels that do not display manufacturer details and health warnings.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said Trading Standards officers were being given powers to issue on the spot fines to those flouting the rules.

They added that £10m was being invested into tackling underage and illicit sales over the next financial year.

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