A shop on Tewkesbury High Street has been closed by police following the sale of vapes to children and allegations of inappropriate sexual comments made to children by an adult employee.
The Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team gathered evidence which led to the successful application for a closure order at Euro Express. This order was granted by Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 September.
The court-imposed closure order lasts for three months, from 10 September until 9 December, effectively shutting the business during this period.
READ MORE: 30-mile diversion implemented near Cirencester for nine-day road resurfacing
READ MORE: Government Provides Update on Delays in War Pension Scheme Claims
This action follows two failed test purchase operations conducted on 13 and 20 August, where police cadets under the legal age successfully bought vapes from the premises.
Furthermore, the court was presented with reports of frequent anti-social behaviour occurring in and around the shop, as well as allegations of concerning sexual comments made by a male employee towards children.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with these allegations. He has since been released on police bail with conditions barring him from entering Tewkesbury while investigations continue.
The police are urging anyone with further information to assist the inquiry by filling out an online form, quoting occurrence number 53260077339.
Sergeant Emma Francis of the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team stated: “The community has made clear their serious concerns regarding this premises.
“We conducted test purchase operations to substantiate these concerns, resulting in evidence sufficient to secure this closure order from magistrates.
“This is a positive outcome for the local area, as we have confirmed that children were able to buy vapes at this shop and may have been subjected to troubling comments by a staff member.
“The investigation is ongoing, and an arrest has been made. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist our case.”
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to visit the police’s online reporting form and quote occurrence number 53260077339.