Corner shop off-licenses have been put on notice of legal action for selling drink to teens.

Richmond Police has issued a social media warning after two shops in Twickenham and three in Kingston sold alcohol to under 18s.

The illegal activity, which is likely to be the tip of the iceberg, was discovered as the result of a mystery shopping exercise using young cadets posing as customers.

The action was taken based on reports from residents concerned about illegal sales and come against a background of rising concerns about anti-social behaviour, vandalism and violence involving gangs.

There are similar concerns about the sales of illegal 'spice' vape liquid and jelly sweets by the burgeoning number of vape shops across the area.

The vape liquid and sweets contains chemicals designed to mimic THC, which is the ingredient in cannabis that causes a high. It has been linked to psychotic episodes and hospital admissions.

The two shops in Twickenham and Kingston shops selling drink to children have served with a so-called penalty notice for disorder (PND), which is a £90 fixed penalty fine.

Richmond Police said: "Neighbourhood officers and licensing teams visited several off-licenses recently.

"With the help of our Volunteer Police Cadets under 18 several 'test-purchase' Ops were organised with the help of trading standards.

"Most did not sell alcohol to the youngsters, but... three shops in Kingston & two in Twickenham were found to let undercover youngsters buy booze.

"Several Penalty Notice of Disorder were issued to staff who supplied the alcohol. The shops will be receiving visits from licensing teams to make sure this isn't a recurring problem."

The police have advised residents worried about other shops breaking the law to contact their local neighbourhood policing team.