A Tesco store caught breaking a pledge not to stock high-strength lagers and ciders has removed them from the shelves.

The shop, near Leicester railway station, has been warned it could be prosecuted if it repeats the error.

Tesco bosses last year told Leicester City Council it would not sell any beer, cider or lager stronger than 5.5% alcohol volume at its new Express shop, in London Road.

The company made the pledge because councillors and residents were concerned that a new alcohol outlet would add to the neighbourhood's existing problems of street drinking and rowdy behaviour.

The high-strength drinks are favoured by street drinkers who residents and businesses say routinely cause trouble in the neighbourhood.

On Monday, the Leicester Mercury bought two products exceeding the agreed limit, Tennent's Super lager at 9% and 7.5% Diamond White cider. The shop removed the products from sale after an article appeared in Tuesday's Mercury.

City councillor Patrick Kitterick said: "I'd be very concerned if this incident was repeated after they have been warned like this."

Businesses that breach conditions of licences can be called before a committee of councillors, who have the power to impose further conditions and, in extreme cases, take away the right to sell alcohol.

Sergeant Sean Moore, Leicestershire police's licensing officer, said: "We have spoken to Tesco and been told a mistake had been made and that it has now been rectified.

"I will meet them on Monday and I will be saying they will be prosecuted if it happens again. We would also look to review their licence.

"I will be interested to hear how it came about because I would have thought they would be capable of having control mechanisms in place."

Tesco did not comment.