A HOAX letter being sent to Preston schools warning teachers of a new drug being sold to children has been slammed by police as a hoax.

The spoof circular, claiming to be from drugs giants ICI, says brightly coloured tattoos laced with LSD are being targeted at young children.

It warns the drugs can be absorbed through the skin simply by handling them and can cause hallucinations, vomiting, uncontrollable laughter and mood swings. The company denies any knowledge of the letter.

Drugs officers have branded it a 'definite hoax'. They said they've been bombarded with calls by worried parents and teachers.

Veronica Heys of Lancashire Police Drugs Branch, said it wasn't the first time the letters had found their way into Preston.

She said: "We've had this problem since the early 80s. It's like a chain letter - people are so concerned about the information in it, they send it on to someone else."

"If you get one, destroy it. If you want accurate information about LSD and other drugs, leaflets are available from Lancashire Police."

The Citizen came across a copy of the letter pinned up in Wrea Green Post Office.

One worker there, Ruth Sykes, said: "A passerby asked us to put the letter in the window and we didn't really question it. I suppose he was just a concerned parent."

Dr Mohammad Musa, a senior medical officer based in Lancashire, also slammed the scaremongering circular. He said: "I have come across these letters. They tend to pop up every four or five months. The information is very misleading, LSD cannot be absorbed through the skin - it's definitely a hoax."

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