POLICE are urging people to hand in ecstasy tablets at chemists after three young girls were taken to hospital.

Officers were called to Salford Precinct at 9.50pm yesterday after receiving reports that the girls, all aged 12, had taken ectasy pills described as Teddy Tablets.

All three were taken to hospital and are in a serious condition and it is not known where the drugs have been sold.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Walker, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "It is imperative young people understand the implications and avoid taking drugs, to stop any more young people ending up in hospital.

“Over the past few months we have had the death of a 17-year-old girl and the hospitalisation of three young people, all after taking a variation of ecstasy.

“People taking these drugs don’t know what they contain or what effect they will have.

"It’s not worth the risk of ending up in hospital or even suffering fatal consequences.

“If anyone is in possession of these tablets, or other drugs, I would urge you to hand in to police, a chemist, or other medical practitioner immediately.

"Let this be a warning to anyone supplying Class A drugs to young people, and in this case children, you are ruining lives. We will catch you and the full force of the law will be brought down on you.”

Call police on 101 with information.