Stores caught selling corrosives to under 18s

Several shops in Gloucestershire were caught selling corrosive substances to underage buyers in an undercover operation.

Gloucestershire Trading Standards said it carried out inspections at 10 businesses, eight of which sold corrosive substances to underage volunteers.

The operation, which visited shops in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, the Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury in February, was supported by police cadets.

Gloucestershire Trading Standards said it was "disappointed" to see the substances being sold to underage buyers.

Trading Standards said the eight different businesses sold a product containing corrosive substances to a young person under 18, without any checks on their age or ID requests.

The products included brick and patio cleaner, plughole unblocker and caustic soda drain unblocker.

Trading Standards said it will contact the shops which failed the test and offer advice, but could take further action if they were found to sell to young people in the future.

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 makes it an offence to sell products which have a high percentage of corrosive chemicals to people under the age of 18.

These include items such as caustic soda, drain cleaners/unblockers and patio cleaners, which can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Councillor Dave Norman, cabinet member for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It's disappointing to see a number of retailers in the county have sold products containing corrosive substances to underage buyers.

"It's important they seek advice and ensure age-restricted goods are not sold to young people."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.