POLICE have received reports of drug use at a nature reserve next to housing estates.

Dorset Police said officers received reports of drug use yesterday afternoon at the Butts Pond Nature Reserve, in Sturminster Newton.

Butts Pond Nature Reserve, also known as Butts Pond Meadows, borders with an industrial estate and housing estates - leading onto Selwood Close and Hinton View.

The nature reserve is rich in three species of newt including the protected Great Crested Newt, according to Natural England.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "We have received reports of drug use in the Butts Pond Nature Reserve yesterday afternoon.

"This is not an isolated incident."

To report a crime, police can be contacted on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.