Hundreds of illegal vapes have been seized after police conducted test purchases at shops in Southampton. 

On Saturday (September 7) Hampshire Constabulary teamed up with Southampton City Council to crack down on crime in St Mary's. 

Police cadets aged under 18 went undercover in plain clothes to carry out test purchases of vapes in three shops. 

Two of the stores were found to be selling illegal vapes to children. 

They were issued with letters informing them they had failed the test with Trading Standards and police going on to search the sites. 

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Hundreds of illegal vapes were seized. 

A police spokesperson said: "In total, hundreds of seizures were made resulting in several bags and boxes of illegal and harmful vapes being taken off the streets.

“Additionally, significant amounts of cash was seized from one establishment pending financial investigation.

“Trading Standards will now bring prosecution against those responsible for these offences.”

“We will continue to show a presence in St Mary's and will visit, enforce, and prosecute those who are taking advantage of children and illegally selling products.”

The operation was carried out by the force's Bargate Neighbourhood officers, members of the Violent Crime Taskforce Unit and Trading Standards.