FIVE Witney stores failed a police test purchase operation after selling alcohol to two 14-year-old girls.

They include three Tesco stores, on the Cogges estate, and in Ducklington Lane and Fettiplace Road.

The Midcounties Co-op in Madley Park also failed, as well as the Red Lion in Corn Street.

Licensing officers from West Oxfordshire District Council and Thames Valley Police organised the operation following intelligence about underage alcohol sales. Staff involved were handed £80 fixed penalty notices and managers were spoken to about training.

Ch Insp Colin Paine said: “It is always disappointing when premises fail.

“But this operation was particularly disappointing as five out of the seven premises we visited failed.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are of course very disappointed by this.

“Our staff undergo extensive training.”

A spokesman for Midcounties Co-operative said: “We regret this store did not meet our rigorous standards.

“We run our own test purchases and fully train our colleagues at least four times a year.”

Mark Stokes, the landlord of the Red Lion, said: “We are very cautious about serving people who are underage.

“This is the first time it has happened.”