Liverpool is the UK's growing black market, a survey into the size of the illegal cigarette and vaping products market has revealed. Officials with the city council's Bureau of Trade Standards found a large number of retailers in the city selling illegal vaping products.

E-cigarette devices are strictly regulated by the UK government to control the amount of nicotine available and must be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA). These devices should contain no more than 2% nicotine, or contain more than 2ml of liquid.

However, in a recent city-wide trial, inspectors bought illegal products at 74 retailers in Liverpool, some of which contained the equivalent of 3,500 cigarettes, almost six times the legal limit. .

Now, the council is contacting the Trading Standards Agency for comment on its products, with the proviso that compliance checks will take place in the new year and that any illegal products still on sale will be seized.

The council has also received numerous complaints about the sale of these products to children and has asked parents to contact them with information and evidence. "E-cigarettes and vaping products are seen by many as a way to quit smoking," said MP Abdul Qadir, who is a member of the Community Affairs Cabinet.