Mansfield Express closed after vapes repeatedly sold to children

Police said officers had received "multiple reports" about the store, expressing concern over sales of e-cigarettes

Police say officers have closed a Nottinghamshire shop after vaping products were repeatedly sold to children.

Officers issued a temporary closure notice for Mansfield Express in West Gate, Mansfield, after it failed a test purchase by selling a vape to a child.

Nottinghamshire Police said it found a 15-year-old boy working alone in the shop during checks on 21 December.

A three-month closure was then approved by magistrates, the force said.

'Flagrant illegality'

Police received "multiple reports" about the store, expressing concern over the sales of e-cigarettes to children, including from one mother of a 13-year-old girl who called police after finding a receipt from the shop.

Sgt Alice Bartle said: "The law around the sale of these products is in place for good reason and must be respected.

"I hope this closure order serves as a warning to all local retailers that this kind of flagrant illegality will not be tolerated and won't be ignored."

It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes, which allow users to inhale nicotine in vapour form, to anyone under the age of 18.