POLICE have warned people not to touch discarded needles after a group of children found used hypodermic needles in Alcombe.

Officers have not revealed exactly where the needles were found, but said they were believed to have been thrown away by drug users.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "The parents of the children alerted the police and the area has subsequently been cleared by the local council.

"Vegetation has also been cut back to make the area more visible and less attractive to drug users."

Inspector Shane Carey, from Minehead police station, said parents should not be overly concerned about the recent find but should be aware just in case.

He said: "Finding used needles in this manner is extremely rare in this area.

"We already work closely with schools to teach children about the dangers of touching used needles and other drug paraphernalia.

"But I would certainly encourage parents just to have that conversation with their children to help them understand the dangers, remind them not to touch them and what to do if they find them."

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said anyone who discovered a needle should not to touch it but report it to the council on 01643 703704.

"We will arrange for their collection and safe disposal," the spokesman said.