A shop on Tewkesbury High Street has been ordered to close for three months following serious concerns raised by the local community and confirmed by police investigations. Euro Express failed two undercover test purchases conducted on August 13 and 20, during which vapes were illegally sold to children acting as police cadets.
In addition to the sale of restricted items to minors, the premises were linked to multiple reports of anti-social behaviour both inside and around the shop. More alarmingly, an adult employee is accused of making comments of a sexual nature to children.
The Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team obtained a closure order from Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 10, which means the shop will remain closed until December 9.
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As part of the investigation, a 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the allegations. While inquiries continue, he has been released on police bail with conditions prohibiting him from entering Tewkesbury.
Sergeant Emma Francis of the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “The community have made their concerns about this premises very clear. Our test purchase operations provided the necessary evidence to secure this closure order, which is a positive outcome for the area.”
She added: “We know children have been able to obtain vapes and other items from this shop, and there are troubling reports that some may have been subjected to inappropriate comments by a staff member. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist our ongoing investigation.”
Anyone who has information that could help the police is asked to submit details online, quoting occurrence number 53260077339.