PEOPLE are being warned about the potentially dangerous affect of medication after some Fenanyl patches were stolen.

Cleveland Police received a report that medication had been stolen from a bag on the High Street in Stockton town centre, sometime between 3pm and 5pm on Tuesday.

A force spokeswoman said: "The patches, which can be used as strong painkillers to reduce severe long-lasting pain, could have serious consequences should they fall into the wrong hands. The risk is particularly high for children.

"Anyone who may have come across the patches or may know of their whereabouts is advised to hand them in to their nearest pharmacy or police station."