POLICE have issued a warning after a group of teenagers were spotted using solvents and smoking cannabis in a park.

Essex Police have received numerous reports of young people gathering in the teen shelter in King George V Playing Field, Rayleigh, and inhaling solvents, as well as using the Class B drug cannabis.

Now, police are asking parents, “do you know where your children are?” and have released images of two teens sitting in the shelter, surrounding by what appears to be cannisters.

Similarly, youngsters have been warned over groups meeting in the town centre and becoming embroiled in antisocial behvaior.

Rayleigh town councillor David Sperring, who sits on the playing field committee, admitted it is an ongoing issue but the town council is working very closely with Essex County Council youth services as well as the police.

He said: “We have worked with Essex Youth Services for a number of years, and they come and engage with the youngsters on a weekly basis. Essex Police have also become more involved recently, which is why we are seeing proactive reports like this.

“I have seen some reports of solvent abuse, but I wouldn’t say it is the main issue; there is also a lot of cannabis smoking there.

“We cannot be naive and say there is not an issue, because there is, but we on the town council believe that we are doing all we can to manage the situation to the best of our ability.

“Without sounding too cynical, there is the argument that if they are in the park and in the shelter, at least we know where they are, they are not roaming the streets of the town, police know where they are and can monitor the situation.”

A spokesman for the Essex Police Castle Point and Rochford Communtiy Policing Team, said: “Concern has been raised regarding young people using ‘solvents’ and cannabis at the teen shelter (known as the bomb) in King Georges Rayleigh.

“The Essex County Council youth services are regularly at the location offering advice.

“A small group of young people gather most evenings in the town centre and on occasion act in an anti social way causing distress to shops and the general public.

“Do you know where your children are? We do need help from parents in keeping your children safe from harm.

“This isn’t the only location unfortunately with similar reports received in every town.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.