Between 80,000 and 100,000 cigarettes were found in a steel container near Cromford Road on Thursday July 17 after police were called to deal with a stolen motor vehicle.

While dealing with the vehicle police called a locksmith to open a near by container and found cigarettes of various brands including Sovereign, Mayfair and Richman.

Inspector Richard Smith said: "Trading standards will be looking at the cigarettes to find out whether they're counterfeit.

"We have recently seized cigarettes of the Richman brand from children in the local area. It is likely that these cigarettes are being sold on to members of the community and we are very keen to stop this.

"Children are especially susceptible and can become addicted to nicotine at an early age.

"This find is a fantastic result and will help to protect members of the Langley Mill community."

Police are continuing to investigate the find and have urged anybody with any information to get in touch on 0845 123 33 33, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.