IN PICTURES: Shop in Peterborough closed by court order after police raid to tackle sale of illicit goods

Police say the Next One Shop, in Alexandra Road, Millfield, has been closed by magistrates until September 9.

They say it follows a police raid in which more than 2,600 illicit cigarettes were seized, a shop worker was found not legally able to work, some of the goods being sold were found to not meet UK requirements, and a cricket bat and rounders bat were found behind the till.

A Cambridgeshire police spokesperson said: “Magistrates at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court granted a full closure order for the Next One Shop, in Alexandra Road, Millfield, on July 10.

"The order, which is in place until September 9, states the whole premises, including any outdoor space, is closed to everyone except the landlord, their authorised contractors, and the emergency services.”

The spokesperson said that officers from the northern neighbourhood support team (NST) and Special constables, together with Trading Standards officers from Peterborough City Council, visited the shop on July 8 as part of an operation to combat criminality in the so-called “grey economy”.

PC James Rice, from the NST, said: “In addition to the finds during the operation, there have been three drugs related arrests in the shop this year, with class A, B, and C drugs found in and around the premises.

“Drug dealing and associated criminality have a significant impact on the community, and I hope that this shop closure gives the community some respite from the issues.”

Failure to comply with the order could result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine, or both.

• A 28-year-old man from Peterborough was arrested on January 27 on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A, B, and C drugs. He has been bailed until July 27.
• A 27-year-old man from Peterborough and a 23-year-old man from Doncaster were arrested on April 30 on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. They have been bailed until July 31.