Two men who issued bogus fines claiming to represent Newham Council enforcement officers have been bailed.

A 24-year-old man from the E7 area and a 30-year-old man from the E16 area were arrested on Friday Nov 18 for allegedly issuing fraudulent on-the-spot cash fines for offences such as selling alcohol to under 18-year-olds and food safety offences - even issuing receipts.

Both suspects are on police bail to return to an east London police station on Monday Dec 10.

For residents’ information, Newham Council said they never issue on-the-spot cash fines but instead issue enforcement notices that have to be paid within 10 or 14 days.

Members of the public, particularly small retailers, who have been approached in this way recently, should contact the police’s Licensing and Total Enforcement Unit on 0203 373 3972. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who suspects they have paid an on the spot cash “fine” should get in touch with the receipt number issued at the time and any further details.

A Newham Council spokesman said: “As this is an ongoing criminal investigation there will be no further comment at this time.”