Community leaders have reacted with alarm after half a dozen drug needles were found dumped near a walk to school route in Weymouth.

A concerned resident came across the needles, some of which were uncapped, along with empty packets of medicines.

It is not known if the needles are connected to illegal drug use but the fact they were dumped in the street posing a potential risk to the public has prompted concern.

The Echo has previously reported on drug paraphernalia being found in local streets and beauty spots.

The needles were discovered on Roman Close near to the junction of Dorchester Road by a resident, who reported it to the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP).

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said there were at least have a dozen needles "carelessly dumped" within a pile of rubbish.

He said it was "very concerning" as it was a regular route for schoolchildren walking to Wey Valley.

Borough council spokesman for community safety, Cllr Francis Drake, said the news was "very worrying".

He said: "We need people to report these things when they see them on the street and then we can get one of our teams out there to clear it up as son as possible.

"I am very concerned and worried about this."

He added: "We are trying to combat this problem but it is an uphill fight at the moment."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Kevin Brookes, said the discovery was "a deep concern".

He said: "We have had this sort of issue happening before, but it is not usually found that far out of the town centre.

"It is very concerning indeed – is it someone who is not disposing of their waste properly or are there people using that area to take drugs?

"Syringes can be so dangerous – used or not used.

"They are particularly dangerous to children and dogs who can both be so inquisitive in everything they see.

"This is a major concern all round."

Cllr Brookes added: "I'm glad the DWP were able to act swiftly and have it cleared up as soon as they were alerted."

Michael Moon, head of service (Operations) for the DWP added: “As soon as the local depot were made aware of the needles, they dispatched a team immediately to clear them up."

He added: "We advise people not to pick up needles, unless it poses an immediate danger to you or others. If the items are found on public land during normal working hours (Monday to Friday), please contact the DWP. If the items are found on public land outside of normal working hours, please contact your local borough or district council's emergency out of hours number.

"Further information can be found at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/syringes."