A TODDLER is in a stable condition in hospital after ingesting drugs found on a North-East playing field.

The 20-month-old boy became ill in Middlesbrough last night.

He is believed to have picked up a tablet while he was walking through a large playing field off the town's St Mary’s Walk.

The youngster began feeling unwell and was later taken to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Doctors confirmed that he had ingested a drug, possibly diazepam, and he was kept in hospital where he was described as being in a “stable” condition.

Officers have searched the field  in the area of St Mary’s Walk and found no further tablets, however, members of the public are still asked to be vigilant and anyone who comes across such tablets in the area is asked to contact police on 101 or take them to a local pharmacy or police station.