A MAN has ben rushed to hospital after taking what was believed to have medication intended for animals.

The man, in his 40s, is today in a serious condition after taking the medicine  which police say may have been stolen from a vets.

Now officers have re-issued an urgent warning about a quantity of veterinary drugs which are believed to be circulating in the community.

The man was taken to hospital after South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Basingstoke Town Centre at around 7.20pm last night.

He is currently in a serious condition.

The drugs were taken from the clinic on Worting Road, Basingstoke, between 8.30pm on June 29 and 5.55am on June 30.

A statement from Hampshire Police said: "We are reiterating the warning that taking medications which are not prescribed for you and are not intended for human use, can have a significant and serious effect on health.

"Anyone who has taken animal medicines or who knows someone who may have taken them, should seek medical help immediately."

One of the liquid preparations in particular - if inhaled, consumed orally or injected - could cause a severe reaction which could prove life threatening.

It comes in a bottle branded 'Iso-Flo' and contains Isoflurane.

If anyone is offered these drugs or has any information about their whereabouts, please call 101 and quoting 44200238349.

The statement added: "If you find any suspicious drug packaging, bottles or cannisters discarded, we would also ask that you don’t touch them but do get in touch with us by calling 101 and we can arrange to pick them up safely."

A 36 year old man from Basingstoke has been arrested and currently remains in custody.