POLICE are warning children in the Canterbury area that an item of medical equipment stolen during a burglary could be dangerous if played with.

The Epipen Adrenaline Autoinjector was taken when a bag was stolen during a burglary in Godden Road at around 10.15am on Good Friday. The burglary has only just been reported to police.

The Epipen is a first aid device used to control sudden allergic reactions and is normally very safe for users however it could prove dangerous if used incorrectly.

The Epipen is around six inches long with a yellow label and becomes “armed” when the grey cap is removed.

The pen is designed to inject through clothes and has a very sharp needle which “fires” from the black end. Once fired, the needle remains exposed.

Anyone who finds the Epipen is advised to handle it with extreme caution, especially if the cap is removed, and to contact Canterbury City Council for safe disposal. A police spokesman said: "Anyone injected by an Epipen is advised to seek medical advice."