POLICE warn asbestos could be contained in a Bradninch building which has been broken into in recent weeks.

Youths are suspected of drinking and smoking inside the old primary school building, which is believed to hold traces of the dangerous fibre.

A number of windows and locks have been broken in order to gain entry to the premises which is undergoing development.

Tracey Peters, PCSO for Bradninch and outer Cullompton, said: "Asbestos is a danger which people need to be aware of when going into dilapidated buildings. It can cause lung damage, asbestosis and a number of other conditions."

Asbestos is responsible for around 4,000 deaths per year and inhalation can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, which can be fatal.

Further safety fears stem from the roof space of the old school hall which officers believe members of the public have been interfering with.

PCSO Peters added: "Somebody has been gaining access to the loft but there is no ceiling, only rafters.

"As it is the old school hall it is really high but if somebody was to fall from there they would end up killing themselves."