A street merchant caught illegally selling toys considered unsafe for children has had his stock confiscated and destroyed.

George Armstrong of Walthamstow was stopped from trading on Sutton High Street on May 14, having received advice and numerous warnings from Sutton Council officers.

He had been advised that while trading as a pedlar he had to keep moving and not stay in the same spot for any amount of time.

During this time scrutiny of his wares showed toy dogs he was selling were faulty, and when tested were found to be unsafe. 

He was cautioned for street trading without a licence and gave up his stock to Sutton Council trading standards.

Councillor Mary Burstow, chairwoman of the licensing committee, said: “Illegal traders take business away from our legitimate businesses and, as in this case, may be found to be selling potentially life-threatening goods. It’s great credit to our trading standards team who have managed to get these faulty goods off our streets.”