No doubt the policeman who alerted schools about a potential drugs threat acted with the best of intentions.

But his announcement that Strawberry Meth had been handed out at school gates certainly caused anguish to pupils and parents.

It also caused unnecessary extra work for school staff.

We are pleased to hear that the officer will not be disciplined.

But it is clear that Thames Valley Police need to review procedures to make sure that such a hoax is not repeated.

As we know only too well in the newspaper industry, it boils down to three simple words: "Check your facts."