Warning over crack epidemic

Drug experts on Teesside say a crack cocaine epidemic could hit the area unless urgent action is taken.

Middlesbrough has been identified as having one of the worst crack cocaine problems in the UK.

There are fears that that the drug could lead to an increase in violent crime.

A number of crack dealers are thought to be operating in the town centre and experts say it could become as big a problem as heroin, if the problem is not addressed soon.

Pilot project

Harriot Booth, Middlesbrough drugs action team co-ordinator, told BBC Radio Cleveland, plans had already been made to treat crack cocaine users.

She said: "As we are one of the high crime areas for crack cocaine we are looking at setting up a specific crack cocaine treatment programme.

"This would see both primary crack cocaine users and also poly-drug users, who use heroin and crack cocaine.

"We have got national pilot -status for that project, one of only 20 in the country."