Greenwich Council have taken action to prevent a market stall in Woolwich from trading after they were found selling "non-compliant" face masks in breach of coronavirus regulations.

In a statement, the council has said anyone using the pandemic as an opportunity to scam people "will not be tolerated."

This comes after it emerged that millions of sub-standard face masks and thousands of fake hand-sanitisers have been seized at Heathrow Airport since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

London Trading Standards teams have recorded a surge in firms attemping to import PPE with faked safety certificates, and some of the fake sanitiser product has since been found for sale in Bexley.

Greenwich Council say they have their own enforcement team "on the frontline of London's clapdown on substandard products that are supposed to help people from Covid-19."

The stall in Woolwich was reportedly selling protective equipment, including masks, that were non-compliant, and are now no longer able to trade.

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: "Sadly, some dishonest businesses are using the pandemic as an opportunity to scam the public, which is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Royal Greenwich.

"We do recognise that most of our businesses are responsible and some businesses may be unaware of the rules, however this does not excuse your responsibility, all traders selling personal protective equipment need to ensure their products meet the required regulations."

To report concerns about fake products or false claims being made about products in the borough, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

You can report your concerns about rogue businesses in the borough to tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.