A SOCIAL media message has been issued to parents about a teenager trying to sell drugs to school children.

The male - aged approximately 17 - had been spotted approaching school children offering 'Spice' - synthetic cannabis - on their way home at Christchurch last week.

It is believed the incident occurred at the Christchurch Bypass footbridge - located close to The Grange School.

Head teacher Jane Asplin-Locke said: “We have been informed that someone is selling Spice in Burton.

"We are not aware of any of our students being approached outside our school. We always maintain a high level of vigilance as the wellbeing and safety of our students is paramount.

"In response to the information we have alerted parents and staff to ensure that they remain vigilant too.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We did receive a report of a male aged in his late teens acting suspiciously at around 3.10pm on Friday (March 3) near the bridge coming into Burton.

"The person who reported this did not specifically hear the person offer drugs to anyone, but believes that may have been their intention.

"The local Neighbourhood Policing Team have been made aware of the suspicious circumstances and will continue patrols."