POLICE have issued urgent warnings after a massive haul of deadly chemicals was found by children playing at Atherton.

Forty bottles of phenol and cyanide were discovered by the youngsters in Arley Way on Saturday afternoon.

They had been dumped in bushes close to a tip.

Firefighters wearing chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus removed the bottles of the deadly poison, which can be absorbed into the skin and attack the nervous system.

The area was cordoned off for a number of hours while a specialist disposal firm was called in to take the bottles away.

Police say another haul of the same chemical was found close to the spot on Thursday.

They have warned the public not to touch the bottles if any more are found and to contact the police or the fire service immediately.

A spokesman said: "If anyone had come into contact with them there would have been dire consequences.

"This is the second find in a very small area and whoever has dumped these jars has acted very irresponsibly.

"If anyone finds any more under no circumstances should they touch them."

The chemical - in coffee jar-type containers with red lids - is clear with brown particles floating in. If anyone does come into contact with it they are advised to seek urgent medical attention.

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