ABANDONED aerosol containers have prompted a warning from police about the dangers of sniffing chemicals.

Dorchester Police have issued a warning of the dangers of sniffing chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays after a shelter was found in woods behind Egdon Glen, Crossways, yesterday.

Police found several aerosol containers along with smashed alcohol bottles, a tent and evidence of a large fire.

Dorset Echo: Picture: Dorchester PolicePicture: Dorchester Police

A spokesman for Dorchester Police said: "There has been a large shelter and tent located in woods behind Egdon Glen, Crossways.

"There is damage to surrounding trees, evidence of a large fire area and discarded rubbish including several smashed alcohol bottles. There is great concern that several aerosol containers were found in the area.

"Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can cause heart irregularities and death. High concentrations of inhalants also can cause death from suffocation. This happens because inhaling concentrated chemicals prevents you from breathing in any oxygen.

"The area had several items left behind and this may assist us identify the people whom had been in the area. Do any of the items pictured come from your household? Could your son or daughter be going to this location? There has been sightings of 4 or 5 young males and a young female on the track leading to this location.

Dorset Echo: Picture: Dorchester PolicePicture: Dorchester Police

"Apart from the obvious danger of fire in the area and littering of a beautiful natural area there is concern for the safety of the people involved in this anti-social behaviour.

"Please contact via 101 or the Dorset Police website "Contact Us" section with any information that may assist locate the individuals that visit this area. Quote occurrence number 55210070070."