Four schoolchildren have been taken to hospital after they allegedly took cocaine – thinking it was a Sherbet Fountain-like sweet.

Police were called to Broadstone Middle School in Dorset, where students are aged between nine and 13 years, following reports that youngsters had taken the class A drug on Jan 3.

A 32-year-old man, from Bournemouth, was later arrested on suspicion of drug offences.

He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.