Police operation finds that products such as Guinness, cider and lighter fluid have been sold to underage teenagers in West Berkshire

A police operation found that shops in West Berkshire have been selling age-restricted products to teenagers.

Thames Valley Police carried out a test purchasing operation at shops across West Berkshire yesterday (Friday).

Officers discovered that underage teenagers as young as 14 years old were able to buy products such as Guinness, cider and lighter fluid.

A police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately half the shops we visited failed our test and we will be referring them to trading standards and issuing fines to the staff that sold the products to our 14 and 16 year olds.

“They were able to buy Guinness, cider and lighter fluid. They were almost sold fireworks in two shops.”

Police also stated that they will be carrying out more operations over the Halloween period.