MORE checks on play parks will be made following the shocking discovery of a razor blade on a slide.

Police confirmed that officers had been made aware of the find and would be carrying out more late night patrols of children's parks to protect the public.

It comes after a blade was found at the bottom of large metal slide at Askam's play park.

The discovery was made by Barrow Council's parks team, which regularly checks such areas owned by the local authority to ensure safety.

Cumbria Police said that community officers will be paying attention to the area while out on patrols.

Barrow Council workers are also checking the park every day since the discovery.

Children in the area have now broken up for Easter.

The razor blade was found at the park on Tuesday.

Askam councillor Ben Shirley had alerted parents to the find.

He warned parents to be 'extra vigilant' in a social media post shared online.

The councillor described the discovery as a 'sad fact of life' and is calling on parents to inspect equipment in play parks – especially the slides and hidden areas.

He said: "The council inspects all council-owned parks every week for precisely this reason.

"Thank goodness they checked Askam’s park.

"Please be extra vigilant when you are at the park with your children.

"Please ensure that you inspect the equipment, especially the slides and hidden areas.

"Do be reassured, Askam’s park will be checked daily for the foreseeable future."

Cllr Shirley is reassuring parents that parks are safe for children but asked parents to beware and keep a look-out after the incident.

He said: "Our parks are safe, thanks to the great work of the parks team who inspect them weekly as a routine.

"But please be extra vigilant.

"Not all parks are owned by Barrow Council, and might not be subject to the same frequent checks.

"What a sad fact of life that nefarious acts like this are happening in our community."