SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove were put on immediate alert when tablets marked with the letter E were stolen from an industrial unit.

Police issued an urgent warning to all schools following the theft of more than 1,000 pharmaceutical tablets from a unit in Factory Road last Wednesday, October 17.

The tablets, which were 5mg doses of Oxybutyminhydrochloride, a drug traditionally used for urinary infections, were mostly recovered in Watt Close on the same day.

However, police contacted schools about the remaining missing capsules.

Sgt Tony Higgins said: "We are still concerned for children's safety.

"I urge anyone who finds the tablets not to open them, and to return them to their local police station."

Sidemoor First School, in Broad Street, sent out letters to notify parents of the theft.

Pupils at North Bromsgrove High School, in School Drive, were told of the incident via a daily bulletin, and requested to come forward with any information should they find the tablets.

Headteacher Kevin Peck said, "We take the health and safety of the students very seriously and are always very grateful to the police for any information they can give us about drugs."