Lambeth: Police have been quizzing Lambeth school children about involvement with illegal drugs following concerns over the Met's 'softly softly' approach to cannabis in the borough.

A survey has been sent to schools in Lambeth after anecdotal evidence suggested children as young as nine have begun experimenting with the drug since the policy was introduced last summer.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "Some concerns were raised that there is a proliferation of cannabis use in young people in Lambeth, even in children as young as nine and 10.

"As a result Lambeth police decided to conduct a survey of all school children in the borough. It is a reaction to concerns being raised. We have to be aware of what is going on."

The survey was distributed to every primary and secondary school and asked headteachers to put a range of questions to children, such as whether they had noticed more drug dealers or drug paraphernalia outside their schools.

Around 75 per cent of primary schools and 70 per cent of secondary schools have already responded to the survey.

The spokesman said: "The indications are there is no evidence to support the concerns and those findings are extremely reassuring.

"The anecdotal suggestions may have some basis, but the vast majority share our concerns."

The complete results are due to be collected shortly and discussed at a meeting of police, educationalists, and community and social workers in the next few weeks.

The Lambeth drug policy, which sees people found in possession of a small amount of the drug let off with just a warning, is due to be assessed by a Home Office Select Committee. An announcement over its results, which is expected to extend the policy, is due in July or August.

July 8, 2002 10:00