A DRUG den has been discovered just yards from a Colchester beauty spot.

Cops have urged families to be careful when walking through Bourne Valley Wood, off Mersea Road, after the den was visited by police.

The sodden den, which is metres from the entrance to the wood from Bourne Road, and from Bourne Mill, owned by the National Trust, is made from cut down logs and includes a concrete slab, believed to be used to cut or roll drugs.

There is also a scattering of tin foil and cling film wraps alongside plastic bottles, which have been used as makeshift cannabis bongs.

PC Martin Willsher warned people using the woods legitimately: “Some people have made a den and congregated in it, and it appears they have eaten food and dealt with some sort of drugs.

“Our safety warning is not a concern for personal safety or fear of attacks, but about the risk of finding drugs paraphernalia.”

He added: “Kids often run through and say ‘Wow, a den’ so we are asking parents to pay attention and perhaps have a look first to make sure it is safe.”

Essex Police has increased patrols in the area in an effort to warn off the den users.

Neither the National Trust nor Colchester Council, which is believed to own the woods, commented on the discovery.

Anyone with information on the den should call Essex Police on 101.