POLICE are investigating after two young children were taken to hospital over fears they had taken a tablet found near their Darlington primary school.

Officers were called to Skerne Park Academy at around 1.30pm on Friday afternoon.

The Northern Echo received reports that two pupils took unknown pills on the school premises, and in the last few minutes, this has been confirmed by Durham Police.

A spokeswoman said: "Two boys aged seven and eight took ill at Skerne Park Primary School in Darlington this morning with one of the boys claiming he found a tablet he thought was a sweet outside.

"Police with a drugs dog have carried out a thorough search of the school and grounds but nothing has been found.

"One of the boys has since been discharged with the other remaining in hospital where his condition is described as stable.

"Tests are currently being carried out to establish if the boy remaining in hospital has taken any medication or illegal substances. "

The Northern Echo contacted Skerne Park Academy but was told that no further comment would be added to the police statement.