Kids have started emptying baked beans onto doorsteps as part of a bizarre TikTok trend - forcing police to ask shopkeepers to stop selling tins.

Videos are being posted on the social media site under the hashtag #beanbandits, which show youths smearing the juicy breakfast staple onto driveways, doorsteps and even cars.

West Yorkshire Police has now urged local shop workers to be aware of youths buying large quantities of cans of beans - in case of "beaning".

In a statement, PCSO Michelle Owens said: "It has come to the attention of the police that a new trend has started by groups of youths called 'beaning'.

Have you experienced 'beaning'? Do you have any pictures from your doorstep? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

"This involves youths throwing the contents of a can of beans over properties, very similar to the trend of throwing eggs at properties.

"If you work in a shop, please can you be aware of youths buying large quantities of cans of beans, if you have children living at home, please be mindful if you see them removing cans of beans from the family home."

It is also potentially harmful to dogs.

Last month, Surrey police launched an appeal after the village of Wonersh was terrorised by so-called bean bandits.

In one picture, four empty cans can be seen discarded near a doorstep studded with little orange beans.

While another shows a grey car with sauce dribbling down the driver's window, leaving an unsightly orange smudge.

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