POLICE uncovered a suspected crystal meth factory at a hostel for the homeless in Bournemouth.

Residents of Sunrise Lodge in Spencer Road, Boscombe, were evacuated and Dorset Fire and Rescue called due to fears about potentially lethal chemicals at the address.

Officers were called just before 10.30am on Monday after a member of staff raised concerns about items found in the property.

The property is still cordoned off.

Nearby residents were given advice and inquiries are being carried out by drugs experts. No one has been arrested.

Crystal meth is a lethal and highly addictive drug, created with a combination of chemicals, many used as everyday household products.

It has become popular in the UK in recent years and can be smoked or injected.

Detective Inspector Steve Thorpe of Bournemouth CID said: “We are working closely with out partners in this incident and we are taking precautionary steps to keep the public safe.

“As a precaution, a small number of people from the property have been evacuated.

“Advice is being given to local residents in relation to the involved substances.”

It is believed the property, a former hotel, is divided up into nine flats.

Det Insp Thorpe urged members of the public with information about drug use in the area to report it in confidence and added: “We are determined to show those involved in criminality that it will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on the new non-emergency number, 101, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.