The Office of Fair Trading has banned two East London estate agents from working in the industry.

The move comes after Azad Azam and Sheena Khan were found guilty by Kingston Crown Court of obtaining money by deception while in their positions as directors of London and Essex Estates in Leytonstone.

Mr Azam was sentenced to 39 months imprisonment while Mr Khan received a sentence of 32 months in prison.

According to the prosecution, the pair represented both the buyers and sellers in a case where a property was sold for a higher price than was claimed, with them keeping the difference.

Ray Hall, director of markets and projects at the OFT said: "Whether buying or selling a property, consumers need to be able to rely on the integrity of their estate agent.

"If an agent engages in any form of fraudulent conduct, the OFT will take action to prevent them working in the profession."

It was also revealed that Mr Azam was working as a police officer at the time of the deception, with the judge concluding that he used his position for criminal means.