'A NUMBER of people' have been taken to hospital after taking drugs at a Dorset festival.

The Bournemouth 7s Festival is taking place at Chapel Gate over Bank Holiday weekend.

A statement on the Dorset Police website said the drug is ecstasy.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said at 1.27am on Sunday morning that they had been made aware that a number of people were taken to hospital after attending the Bournemouth 7s Festival.

The force spokesperson said: "It was reported that all had taken illegal substances. Their condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

"Officers are investigating the circumstances.

"Dorset Police and the organisers would like to warn people attending the festival not to take any illegal substances."

in a tweet in the early hours of the morning, @Bournemouth7s said: "We are concerned that some of our attendees have reacted badly to an unknown drug they may have taken. Be careful and look out for each other."

Anyone with information about anyone having offered such substances at the event should contact Dorset Police on 101.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:472 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.