SCHOOLS are warning parents to beware of the dangers posed to children after a youngster was rushed to hospital after taking ecstasy.

A young person was reportedly taken to hospital after taking an ecstacy pill known as "blue punisher".

The distinctive pill is blue in colour, has a triangle shape and has a skull logo imprinted on the front.

The pill was allegedly purchased from a dealer on the street in Dorchester.

In 2018, two people from Bournemouth were taken to hospital after taking the pills.

The ecstasy-based drug could have serious side effects for those who take them.

One of the people who took the pill suffered convulsions and experienced psychosis, and the other was said to be very ill and vomiting.

Budmouth Academy sent out a letter to parents, warning them about the drug.

Vice-Principal Phillip Midworth wrote: "As part of Budmouth Academy’s duty of care, I am writing to notify you that a young person has been hospitalised (not from our school) after taking a pill called “Blue Punisher” that was apparently purchased on the street in Dorchester.

"Whilst we have seen no evidence of this drug within our Academy, it is available in the external community. Staff in school are vigilant in this respect, and any concerns raised would result in swift and appropriate action.

"The ‘Blue Punisher’ pill is an ‘MDMA’ based drug, commonly referred to as ecstasy and is a distinctive triangular shape with an imprint of a face on the front.  I am particularly advised that the unknown content of the pills and their origin is suggesting that they are especially harmful."

Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester also confirmed that following information from the Dorset safeguarding team, they would also be sending out an email to parents.

Jon Dean, Designated Safeguarding Lead, said: "The school is sending an email warning all parents, with a description of the pills and highlighting the fact they were apparently purchased on the street in Dorchester. It also asks anyone with further information to contact the police."

Wey Valley Academy in Weymouth has also sent out a letter to parents warning them about the dangers of the drug.

Dr Nicky Cleave, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Dorset, said: “Taking illicit drugs in any form is always a risk and can be fatal.

"You can’t be sure what’s in the drugs you are taking and even if they look identical, they may contain many different substances including fillers that could be toxic.

“If you are taking illicit drugs of any kind, make sure other people are around and you are in a familiar and safe place, and don’t mix drugs or use alcohol at the same time.

"If you feel unwell you should tell someone and seek help as soon as possible, and always call 999 if anyone overdoses or becomes seriously ill from using drugs."

Dorset Police said local officers were unaware of the incident.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Dorset Police would urge members of the public to be aware of the dangers when using illicit drugs or medicines not prescribed to them.

"The risk to any individual taking these substances is high and can lead to a fatal outcome.

"As with any illicit drug or prescribed drug that has not been prescribed to the person taking them, the content of the substance will be of unknown quantity and quality, and each drug, whether in powder, tablet, gas or liquid form, will not be known to the individual taking the drugs. These drugs can be contaminated with noxious substances or contain other drugs that are of a higher toxicity, often at fatal levels.

"Therefore, there will always be an inherent risk of serious harm or fatality if any drug or substance not prescribed to an individual is used."

"If anyone overdoses or becomes serioculy ill from using drugs, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance - this can save a life."

Anyone with information about the drugs should report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101.