EIGHT people have been arrested for illegal street gambling in the market area of Walthamstow.

In recent weeks traders, shoppers and other pedestrians have been increasingly frustrated by the number of people encouraging people to gamble, often using the three-card-trick, in games they have little or no chance of winning.

Police in High Street ward say they are now tackling the problem as a priority and in recent weeks have arrested eight people.

Two were cautioned under section 33 of the Gambling Act, which prohibits unlicensed gambling, one was ordered to wear an electronic tag for four weeks by the courts, and others were issued with on-the-spot fines.

Officers are considering applying to the courts for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders to be made against them.

Sgt Philip Steedman said: ""The general public needs to be aware that street gambling is a scam and you have little or no chance of winning."

Anybody with information about illegal street gambling should call Sgt Steedman on 8721 2035