A MAN arrested after four children 'mistook cocaine for sweets' at their school has been released without charge.

The 33-year-old from Bournemouth was quizzed by police after emergency services were called to Broadstone Middle School following reports that the youngsters had taken a white powder.

All four were taken to hospital and later discharged after medical staff assessed them as being in good health.

The incident took place on Tuesday, January 3, the first day of the school term after the Christmas holiday.

An investigation was launched to establish how the substance got into the Dunyeats Road school.

Speaking in January, head Dawn Wilks said: “We can confirm that a child at Broadstone Middle School in Poole was found in possession of what was believed to be a drug.

“The children believed the substance to be sweets.

“The police were immediately called and four children taken to hospital to be checked over. They were not found to have any health issues and were discharged the same day."

Police arrested a man on suspicion of drug offences.

He was then released on bail pending further enquiries.

A spokesperson from the force yesterday said: "The 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply has been released without charge."