GIRL, 8, USED CANNABIS - CLAIM

Police are investigating a claim that an eight-year-old schoolgirl has been
using cannabis.

Social services and the girl's school in Swansea, south Wales, are also
looking into the allegations. The headteacher at the youngster's school has
sent letters to parents giving advice on drugs.

Swansea County Council and South Wales Police declined to comment on the
exact circumstances surrounding the incident but a police spokeswoman has
confirmed the matter involving the girl, who has not been named, had been
reported to police.

Gareth Williams, chairman of Swansea council's education committee, said he
was "shocked" by the allegations, but added he would wait for a report to
be finalised before commenting further.

The headteacher of the girl's school said he believed the school was not
"directly or indirectly" involved in the matter.

But he added: "It has been brought to my attention that in the local
community there was an eight-year-old girl who there was an issue with.
"It's not our policy to talk about individuals, but I recognise drugs are
available in the community and advice has been given to the family and
general advice given to other parents."

"I did not alert families that there was a drug problem in the area just
that if they suspect anything wrong with their children they should seek
advice from their GP."

The headteacher said no action was being taken against the girl by the
school, which was told about the incident by the youngster's family.