Police have issued a warning to parents after reporting an "increase in availability and use" of drug-infused sweets and chocolate known as 'edibles'.

North Yorkshire Police’s School Liaison Team say the illegal products look similar to well known sweets such as Haribo, Smarties and chocolate bars - often retailing at a pound or less.

PC Lauren Green said: "We want to make parents and carers aware that we have seen a slight rise in young people being in possession of drug-infused sweets known as 'edibles'

"They can look very similar to well-known sweets such as Haribo, Smarties and chocolate bars. Edibles can be laced with illegal drugs such as cannabis and MDMA.

"Unregulated sweets like these are dangerous as we don’t know what levels of drugs they contain.

"They are available to buy on the internet and so could easily be obtained by young people, especially at this time when they are using the internet more than ever due to the coronavirus restrictions." The worrying trend has also been flagged-up as a concern through the Multi Agency Child Exploitation meetings, PC Green said.

Anyone who requires further information visit the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/staying-safe/young-people-and-drugs-where-to-get-help/.

Anyone with information about suspected illegal drug use or drug dealing is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 10 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.