A man has been selling vapes to students near a Dorset school, with police taking action after people 'threatened to take action into their own hands'.

Staff at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne were made aware of the offence last week and contacted the police. It is illegal to sell vapes or e-cigarettes to under 18s.

The East Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working with the school to investigate.

Katie Boyes, headteacher of QE School, said: “At the end of last week we were made aware of someone selling vapes.

“While they were not doing this in the school grounds, we were concerned and contacted the police who acted quickly.

“We have a ‘no vapes’ policy which is strictly enforced. Our priority is always for the safety of our students who we regularly remind about the possible dangers of vaping.”

Bournemouth Echo: QE School in Wimborne

In a letter to parents, the school reinforced their strict policy on vaping and e-cigarettes: “Please can we draw your attention to the following regarding both vapes and E-cigarettes. These items are illegal for under 18’s to buy and it is illegal to smoke/vape in all public enclosed and semi enclosed areas and workplaces.

“As a result, these items are banned from school.

“If students are caught with vapes in their possession or are caught vaping while on the school premises, they will be issued a suspension and the vapes confiscated and destroyed.

"There is also a significant health risk attached to the use of vapes and E-cigarettes. Over the year we will be addressing the impact of vapes and e-cigarettes through our C4L PSHE programme. We ask that you support us by ensuring these items do not find their way into school.”

Bournemouth Echo: Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that across Norfolk and Suffolk the percentage of people who have never smoked has increased whilst the total number of smokers has decreased.Photo credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

East Dorset Police said in a Facebook post that they are dealing with the issue: “Wimborne NPT in conjunction with Trading Standards and staff at QE School have been dealing with reports of a male selling vapes to students.

"We are aware of posts circulating on social media wanting to take matters into their own hands.

“Police are dealing robustly with the individual and safeguarding measures have been put in place. If you have any concerns please contact Wimborne Neighbourhood Policing Team on wimbornecolehill-npt@dorset.pnn.police.uk”