Lambeth Council have licked unlicensed ice cream sales by crushing a van that was repeatedly used illegally around tourist hot spots.

The ice cream van was seized on Westminster Bridge in May last year and destroyed at a South London scrap yard on Thursday.

Councillor Jack Hopkins, the council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: "We’re determined to do everything in our powers to tackle cowboy traders who try to operate there.

"Crushing this van sends a clear message that we are prepared to use all legal powers at our disposal to protect the public and crack down on unlicensed traders who clearly believe they are above the law.

"We are working hard to make life as safe and pleasant for residents across the borough, and today’s action is part of that push."

The van was being used in and around the popular South Bank.