Volkswagen has taken 4,000 unsold Euro 5 diesel vehicles in the UK off sale following the emissions scandal.

According to the BBC, around 4,000 new cars from Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Audi in existing UK stock will be no longer available for purchase.

The group says this represents just 3% of unsold stock in the country.

All new diesel vehicles sold in Europe since September 1 should comply with the new Euro 6 standards, however there is dispensation for manufacturers to clear 'old' Euro 5 stock.

Diesel vehicles across Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Audi brands fitted with the Euro 6 engines remain unaffected and are still on sale.

• Vauxhall has issued a statement to fleets confirming that its vehicles do not have 'defeat devices'.