Trading Standards officers are targeting dangerous henna ink that can scar for life in the Green Street area this summer.

The council says it is redoubling efforts in the popular Asian shopping district after 6,700 cosmetics were seized from one shop and a teenager from Cambridge was scarred by black henna bought there last year.

The decorative ink - popular at Indian and Pakistani weddings and religious celebrations - is believed to be imported from abroad and it contains dangerously high levels of benzene and lead.

Cllr Unmesh Desai, executive member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “Parents and young people must be very vigilant for this henna.

“Newham is taking the lead in London by cracking down hard as we believe it is circulating across the capital. “Anyone who comes across it should contact their local council’s trading standards office immediately.”

Go through Consumer Direct on 01622 626520/ 01622 626523 and ask for Newham Trading Standards.