Wiltshire Police have increased patrols in and around Savernake Forest following a rise in people picking mushrooms there.

The Marlborough Neighbourhood Policing Team has increased activity in the forest after a number of people have been detained following possession of Liberty Cap Mushrooms (Psilocybe Semilanceata) in the last few days.

Liberty Cap Mushrooms are a Class A Controlled Drug as they fall into the category of Magic Mushrooms.

In the last few days six people have been caught in possession of the mushrooms in the Marlborough area and each of these are now being investigated.

Community beat manager for Marlborough PC Dave Tippetts said: “We have recently had an increase in people located with magic mushrooms in their possession.

"Many have been in possession of Liberty Cap Mushrooms, which are a Class A Drug.

"One of my main concerns is that there are very similar mushrooms growing in the area that are extremely poisonous and could cause physical harm if consumed.

“Many people are unaware that the law changed in 2005, making it an offence to possess Magic Mushrooms in their natural state.

"The law used to say that it was only when dried for use, that the offence was complete. This is no longer the case, and any person seen picking or found in possession of Magic Mushrooms will be liable for prosecution.”

Possession of Class A Controlled Drugs carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment upon conviction, and Supplying Class A Controlled Drugs carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Anyone with information on these incidents should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.