A shop in Hitchin's Churchgate Shopping Centre has been hit with a police closure order following a lengthy investigation.

A Closure Notice Extension for Anas Express has been granted until Tuesday, April 4, when the full closure order application will be heard at Stevenage Magistrates Court.

The decision to close the store was made following an ongoing investigation by Trading Standards and the HMRC.

The Comet: Anas Express.Anas Express. (Image: Dan Mountney)

"Anas Express in Churchgate, Hitchin, is currently closed, following an application made by North Herts Police and Trading Standards," read a statement from Herts police.

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"A Closure Notice Extension has been granted until next Tuesday, April 4, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, when the full closure order application will be heard at Stevenage Magistrates Court.

"Under the legislation, the property could remain closed for up to six months.

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"The decision to close Anas Express was made following an ongoing investigation by Trading Standards and the HMRC.

"The interim order bans anyone from entering the property with the exception of the police and council officials. Anyone who does so commits a criminal offence."