HOSPITALS and doctors have been alerted after children were found playing with lethal chemicals on a Herefordshire building site.

Police are desperate to trace the youths spotted throwing Evo-Play D55 around the Buckfield Estate in Leominster, warning they could fall victim to serious medical complaints.

Several of the screw- top silver cans, marked with an orange hazard warning, are still missing from the site after the incident on Monday.

"It is known that the children had been throwing the substance around the compound and seven cans of this liquid are still missing," said PC Dick Allford, of Leominster police.

"If any of the chemical came into contact with the children's eyes or skin, serious medical complications could set in."

Leominster police are asking anyone who knows the children involved to contact them or their parents.

"If they are feeling unwell, they need to seek medical attention," said PC Allford.

"Local doctors and hospitals have already been made aware of the incident.

"The police wish to stress that no children will be in trouble if they have been playing with these cans. We're only concerned for their welfare."

PC Allford can be contacted on 01432 276422.