A REDBRIDGE traffic warden has been accused of dealing cannabis while on duty - after an undercover sting operation by a national newspaper.

The officer, who was in full uniform at the time, was filmed handing over a packet to a Daily Mirror reporter which the newspaper claims contained a quantity of potent 'skunk' cannabis.

The man, who was filmed accompanied by another uniformed officer at the time - alleged by the Mirror to be a deputy manager with the service - is also heard on the video apparently offering to help cancel parking tickets for the reporter.

A spokesman for Apcoa, which runs parking enforcement in Redbridge, said: "Clearly we are shocked and appalled by this story and we are taking it very seriously.

"We are carrying out a full investigation and have suspended the members of staff involved.

"If we find that criminal activity has taken place we will pass that information to the police."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: "We are satisfied that Apcoa has launched an immediate investigation into this issue and have asked that we are kept informed and given a full report and update on any findings.

"The staff involved have been suspended pending conclusion of the investigation and we will continue to work closely with Apcoa regarding this matter.

"The council has alerted the police who, we understand, will be undertaking an investigation."