More than £15,000 of cigarettes, suspected to be illegal, were seized from an untaxed car in Medway.

They were found alongside loose tobacco hidden inside the Ford Focus in Holborn Lane, Chatham on Tuesday.

Officers made the discovery while they were in the area with staff from Trading Standards as part of ongoing action to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco.

While there, they were made aware of a nearby car which was alleged to be untaxed.

When they checked the vehicle, more than £15,000 of suspected illicit tobacco was found inside.

The items were believed to be linked to a nearby newsagent which was using the vehicle as storage.

The cigarettes were then seized along with the car.

PC Liam Wolfe of Medway’s CSU said: "The sale of illicit cigarettes not only financially hinders law abiding businesses but also poses serious health risks to those in our communities.

"Regulations are in place to ensure that the tobacco products consumed on a daily basis are as safe as possible and do not contain unregulated ingredients.

"Kent Police is determined to work with our partner agencies to stamp out the illegal sale of unregulated tobacco, and hold offenders to account for their behaviour."

Trading Standards will continue its investigation and take action if needed.