TWO needles were found by police following reports of men 'acting suspicious' at an old animal shelter near a school in Bridport.

The needles were located after police had received calls from concerned parents regarding two men in a shelter behind a hedge opposite St Catherine's RC Primary School in Bridport.

Upon arrival, the police discovered two homeless males who were advised to leave after admitting they did not have the landowner's permission to be there.

Officers from the Bridport Police Neighbourhood Policing team paid a visit the following day to find that the men had moved out but upon inspection of the premises discovered two hypodermic needles, one of which contained an unknown drug.

Both of the needles were then safely disposed of by the police.

If anyone discovers a needle they should contact 01305 221000 or visit the Dorset Council website to report the finding.

A statement from Birdport Police said: "Last week the police received a couple of calls from concerned parents whilst dropping off and picking up their children at the St Catherine's R C Primary School in Pymore Road, Bridport regarding two men thought to be acting suspicious behind a hedge opposite the school.

"On our arrival we found two homeless males in an old animal shelter and having explained the nature of the complaint and that they admitted to not having the landowner's permission to be in the shelter, they were advised to leave to prevent further calls from concern parents.

"Both PCSO's Pete and Kat from the Bridport Police Neighbourhood Policing Team returned the day after to make sure the males had moved on and on checking the shelter two hypodermic needles was found where one of syringes contained an unknown drug.

"These were immediately picked up and disposed of safely and having caught up with the males, they were both given words of advice on how to dispose of any sharps safely."

"We advise members of the public not to pick up needles, unless it poses an immediate danger to you or others.

"If the items are discovered on private property (such as an abandoned house, or in a garden, playing field etc.) you should contact the landowner.

"Please note that any needles/sharps and drug related items found on educational premises (e.g., schools, nurseries, etc.) during working hours should be reported immediately to staff on the premises.

"Do not place needles, syringes or any other kind of clinical waste in your rubbish or recycling bins, even if they are in a sharps box.