ILLEGAL tablets containing rat poison and cement are currently circulating in Birkenhead Town Centre.

Police are warning about the dangers of the tablets which are believed to cause collapse, injury, temporary spasm, or even death.

The tablets are yellow and blue, 5mm in diameter with the letters MSJ printed on them.

Officers are warning people not to take anything matching the description, and warning that any illegal drugs pose serious risks to health as users often do not know what harmful chemicals they contain.

Inspector Alan McKeon said: “It is not only illegal to buy and sell drugs, but taking illegal substances can also be very dangerous and potentially fatal.

"We are urging the public not to take any illegal drugs – you don’t know what’s in them, where they’ve come from or what effects they may have on you.

“There are significant risks with any drug misuse, especially when it involves drugs bought off the streets from unregulated sources.

"The effects of drugs are not always immediately apparent or can be delayed.

"This can sometimes result in people taking more in order to speed up the effects. This can have devastating results.

“We are asking people to use their common sense and not to take illegal, unregulated drugs.”