Blair attacks 'syringe' sweets

Drugs campaigners today joined Tony Blair in condemning a sweet which looks like a bloody syringe and is being sold to children as young as five.

The Prime Minister pledged action after learning that youngsters could mistake real needles for the 10p treat, called Freekee Drops.

Health and safety chiefs have already launched an investigation and drugs groups have joined the chorus of disapproval for the syringe-shaped sweets.

Danny Kushlick, director of anti-drugs pressure group Transform, said: "It sounds hideous, unwholesome and obscene. It does have to be discouraged because what it could do is lead children to putting real drugs into their mouths. That's a far bigger danger than normalising syringes."

Mr Blair entered the row yesterday after an MP claimed youngsters were buying the sweet from ice-cream vans.

Labour MP Brian Donohoe produced one of the Spanish-made sweets at Question Time in the Commons which he said had been bought by a five-year old in his Ayrshire constituency.

Mr Blair promised to "look into it". Trading Standards watchdogs are trying to track down the source of the sweets.

A spokesman said: "We're appalled by this product, which appears to be imported from Spain. To associate sweets with a syringe is dangerous and stupid.

"It should not be given to children as it may lead them to pick up real discarded needles. We have launched an investigation."