Trick-or-treating kids given cocaine in the United Kingdom

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LONDON — Children out trick-or-treating in northern England on Halloween got more than they bargained for when they were given bags of cocaine instead of sweets, police said Thursday.

A 23-year-old man has been charged with possession of class A drugs after the children’s parents found the resealable plastic bags on Wednesday night and took them to the police in Royton, outside the northwestern city of Manchester.

“Snap bags containing white powder were taken to the police and examined. It was confirmed that the bags contained cocaine. The bags had been given to children on Mendip Close, Royton, who were out trick-or-treating,” police said.

A 21-year-old woman was also arrested but was later released without charge.

“The parents and police acted quickly when this report was made, in the interests of public safety. We understand this to be an isolated incident,” said police superintendent Catherine Hankinson of Greater Manchester Police.