FEARS that a children’s den is being used for drug taking have been raised after suspected drug equipment was found at the site.

An island mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, took to social media to warn other families and dog walkers.

She said her son found drug equipment such as a suspicious white powder, a spoon, a burnt tin can and water bottles at an area known as Cornfields, behind the Dutch Village, off Canvey Road, Canvey.

She wanted to warn others to be careful when using the area and to keep alert for any other illegal activities across the island.

She said: “Some kids, including my son, found this in their den in a carrier bag.

“Kids being nosey split the bag open and found these items which my partner thinks shows it’s a drug den.

“I have informed the police.

“This is message to the people using drugs - please go and do it away from kid’s fields.

“We have no idea who it is but please be careful with children and dogs running about over there.”

Other residents have said they are also shocked by the discovery and concerned that children are being put at risk by the island’s drug users.

Island councillors have also voiced serious concerns about what was found at the children’s den and said that action would be taken to prevent a repeat of what happened.

Ray Howard, Tory councillor for Canvey West, urged parents to speak with him about any concerns they might have and vowed to take action against this.

He said: “I will take this to the appropriate people, including police, so the authorities can deal with this.

“Drug use is a serious problem not only on Canvey but nationwide and we have got to stop it.

“I know the police have been carrying out work on the island to help deal with antisocial behaviour, this includes being involved with safety community road shows.

“I understand this mum’s concerns.”

Jay Blissett, Tory councillor for Canvey West, also vowed to investigate what has been going on at the children’s den.

She said she too is very concerned about this.

She said: “I am surprised as I have never known people hanging around this area using or dealing drugs.

“Be assured police will do everything they can to support people living nearby the site.

“I will be visiting the site to see what is happening there.

“I am a bit surprised that people would do this and leave this amount of drugs behind.

“I understand it’s so expensive, so why would they leave it all at the site?”

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.

You can also report information

Alternatively you can contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or you can visit crimestoppers-uk.org