A council sting operation over the Easter half-term has exposed four local businesses selling either alcohol or vapes to underage children.

This year Barking and Dagenham has achieved first preference primary school placements in London.

Figures show that out of 3,038 applications, 2,924 (96.25 per cent) of placements have been offered their first preference, far exceeding the capital’s average of 87.92 per cent, and outperforming every other London borough.

West Ham United is launching a powerful new initiative in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Police and the Premier League Charitable Fund, aimed at strengthening police engagement and tackling anti-social behaviour among young people.