A SEVEN-year-old girl was offered drugs as she and her young brother played near their home.

She and her brother were in fields between Cleveland Drive and Cotswold Way, Risca, at around 7pm on July 14, when police say she was approached by a man who offered her drugs. She said no, and ran home with her brother.

The girl's mother only discovered what had happened when listening to a radio programme on drugs education.

The mother told her daughter that she must always say no to drugs, and the little girl replied: "But I said 'no' yesterday, Mam."

The mother, who wants to remain anonymous, told the Argus: "When she told me I started crying because I was so angry. I have calmed down now, but if she had pointed him out to me at the time I would've given him hell.

"Luckily my daughter knows drugs kill, so she knew to say 'no'."She added: "Because of one idiot I will now only let my children play outside the house where I can keep my eye on them at all times."

Detective Constable Debbie Mitson, of Risca police, said: "It is unbelievable that somebody would offer drugs to a child of this age. The girl's parents would like other parents to be made aware of this incident. The man we are looking to question is white, of medium build, has long brown hair without a fringe and has stubble around his chin.

"He was wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt and black trousers when the alleged approach was made."

Risca East councillor Stan Jenkins said: "It is disgusting that a girl of this age has been approached."

Hilary Rowlands, of the Islwyn Drug and Alcohol Project, added: "We hear about these kind of stories and they are very worrying, but when you hear they have happened on your doorstep it is particularly distressing.

"It just shows that drug and alcohol education needs to be started at an early age." If anyone has any information they are urged to contact DC Mitson at Risca police station on 01633 612391.