Teenagers are being sold banned vaping devices containing up to 3,500 puffs, ... trends now

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Schoolchildren are buying illegal supersize vapes over the counter from local corner shops, a Mail investigation has found.

It is illegal to sell vapes containing nicotine to under-18s, but in some parts of the country many shops sell the devices to youngsters for around £5 – with no questions asked.

Some stores sell devices that are more than five times the legal size, giving young users up to 3,500 puffs instead of the legal limit of between 600 and 800. 

Authorities are trying to seize these products amid fears the craze could see children become addicted to nicotine and be at greater risk of chronic lung conditions.

The Mail visited 30 corner shops and phone stores with Trading Standards officers last month. 

In Newcastle, for example, two male volunteers age 16 and 17 were sold vapes in ten of 15 shops visited.

Four shops sold the teens banned Elux Legend 3,500 puff vapes – the equivalent nicotine content of nearly 120 cigarettes. 

The packaging of vapes sold during the undercover exercise had nicotine warnings and symbols showing they must not be sold to under-18s.