THIS poignant picture of drug-related items sat casually on top of a child's school book was released after an eviction at a Malvern home.

Police officers went to the home in Oak Crescent at around 1.45pm yesterday to support with an eviction, which was being led by Fortis Living.

Along with the drug kit, a knife was discovered at the property.

The home was discovered to be in a poor state of repair.

The home has been linked to anti-social behaviour in the past but, on arrival, no-one was found to be at home when the eviction was carried out.

Sergeant Ian Blanchard from the local policing team, said: "We would like to thank members of the community for making us aware of the issues at this address.

"It is this combined with subsequent partnership working with Fortis that led to the eviction."

Police said there were no drugs found at the home and the knife was removed for safety and to be destroyed.

@FortisPaulA, from Fortis's anti-social behaviour team, tweeted: "Eviction today working with Income Team bring peace to community blighted by drugs & ASB credit to neighbours for support."

He added: "Sad from eviction and poignant drug abuse using child's school book, thankfully children safe plus usual weapons."

A spokesman for Fortis later said the eviction was carried out because the tenant was in rent arrears.

Clare Jackson, executive director housing, care and communities, said: "Eviction is always a last resort and is the final stage of a process of positive help and support for those tenants involved.

"Our communities are our priority and we want to keep them safe so we have a strong stance on anti-social behaviour.

"In this case we have secured the right outcome for the wider community which will be a safer place as a result."