A baby was rushed to hospital after chewing on a discarded drugs wrap in Thame on Wednesday.
The 14-month-old boy was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital after picking up the wrap shortly after 5pm in Southern Road recreation ground, near the scout hut.
He was kept in overnight for checks but his condition is not thought to be serious.
Police officers were called to the scene by the ambulance service and carried out a search for any further drug paraphernalia.
And now the police have issued a warning to families using the park to be aware of litter and debris left in playgrounds and recreational areas. It also ordered for the council to clean the grounds.
Det Sgt Darren Cartwright said: “This was obviously a frightening experience for the boy’s parents, but fortunately he doesn’t seem to have been seriously harmed.
“It seems he had picked up a discarded paper wrap believed to have contained an illegal drug. There is potential for further forensic investigation into the incident , and we would like to make parent’s, guardians, and caregivers aware of it, especially in light of the continuing hot weather which families are taking advantage of by visiting our parks and public areas.
“If anyone sees anything which they believe could be harmful or contain illegal substances, please contact the police or your local council.”
Meanwhile, Thame Town Council wants to assure local residents that it is taking the incident very seriously.
In a statement to The Thame Gazette on Thursday, the council said it carries out litter picking and inspections at recreation areas on a daily basis and says if in the ‘rare’ event that any drug related paraphernalia is found, it is reported to the police.
The statement read: “At this time of year trying to keep the litter under control is very difficult as groups gather to celebrate the end of term or just to enjoy the hot weather but many leave their rubbish behind and by the end of the day there can be enough rubbish strewn across the areas to fill numerous bins.”
Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Lambert, said the town council does its best to keep the recreation areas as clean as possible.
“I am glad to hear there were no serious consequences for the little boy concerned and I urge anyone using our facilities to report any suspicious behaviour or rubbish to the police on 101 or the council on 01844 212833.”
