CHILDREN have been urged to look out for needles and syringes after the items were discovered outside a school and a play park in Beaminster.

Police are treating the discarded syringes as a one-off, but it is possible they were left 'maliciously' by offenders. 

Syringes with needles attached were found outside the gate of St Mary's Academy, close to the Londis shop on Clay Lane, before a pupil found items at the children's play area at the Memorial playing fields.

Principal of Beaminster St Mary's Academy Teri Goodinson said: "The school immediately issued a message to parents via our text messaging service that this was the case and asked parents to be vigilant.

"The children were spoken to in an assembly and told not to pick anything up.

"Luckily, one of our pupils spotted some in the park the following weekend and did exactly as we had instructed and did not touch, and alerted an adult who informed the police.

"The school has been working with the police on this matter to ensure the safety of all the children on their way to and from school. School perimeters are checked every day to ensure nothing has been thrown onto the school grounds.

"Fortunately nothing has been found since and we are hoping that this was just a one-off incident. But we remain vigilant as our children's safety is of paramount importance."

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents, which took place within the space of four days, and are open to the possibility that it could have been a malicious act.

PCSO Alex Bishop from Beaminster police, said: "We believe it is a one-off and we haven't had any reports since.

"It appears it could be a malicious thing between two people who don't get on. We don't believe there is any underlying problems with drugs use and we don't really know what the cause is. We just want people to be aware about it and report anything they see to us.

"The school have advised all the parents and all the pupils just to be very careful. This is a very serious incident, but we are hoping there won't be a repeat."

Ward councillor and leader of West Dorset District Council, Cllr Anthony Alford, said: "I find this news deeply disturbing and I appreciate the risks to children and young people.

"I will talk to the police about this incident and about how the risks can be minimised. I recommend that whenever such items are seen, this should be reported to the police as soon as possible."

The Beaminster safer neighbourhood team hold a surgery at the school gate every Wednesday at 3pm, should any parents or members of the community wish to discuss any concerns.