FAKE cigarettes and illegal tobacco in Dorset could be funding organised crime and putting children at risk of harm, say trading standards chiefs.

Teams across Dorset are looking into the supply of illegal tobacco in the area and asking for any information to help them tackle the problem.

"We know that illegal and fake cigarettes are sold in Dorset," says Richard Herringshaw, principal trading standards officer at Dorset County Council.

"It’s cheap and not regulated in the same way as normal tobacco is, which means it is often sold to children."

He added: "The illegal tobacco trade is often seen by people to be helping local communities, providing a cheap alternative to taxed tobacco, but it actually does the opposite by funding organised crime and drawing people into that lifestyle and culture."

Illegal tobacco products aren’t subject to the usual regulations so the contents are unknown.

They could also burn quicker, which is a known cause of fire.

Mr Herringshaw said: "The key question people who buy illegal tobacco need to ask themselves is 'are you confident you are getting what you pay for?'

"We can’t tackle illegal tobacco without the help of people in the communities where it’s being sold.

"We know that illegal tobacco is sold on social media, at retail premises, in pubs and betting shops and from houses, but we need more information.

"You may feel that it doesn’t affect you or that it is not doing any harm. This is not the case."

Residents are urged to be vigilant and report anything they suspect may be connected with the illegal tobacco trade.

If you have information about illegal tobacco being sold in your neighbourhood, report it by calling the Citizens' Advice Consumer Service 03454 040506 or using the confidential online form.