A REPORT into the number of crack cocaine and opiate users in the region has revealed that more than 700 residents in Bracknell and Wokingham are using the drugs.

Public Health England has revealed data on the estimated number of crack cocaine and opiate users across the South East of England, aged between 15 and 64-years-old.

It found 365 people in Bracknell Forest and 373 people in Wokingham were using crack cocaine and/or opiates between March 2016 and March 2017.

Neighbouring authorities, such as Windsor and Maidenhead had 525 people using the drugs and Reading has 1,310.

The report reveals that almost 35,000 people estimated to be using both crack cocaine and opiates live in the South East.

This figure has 'worryingly' increased by more than 5,000 in the last four years.

These figures do not include anyone using cocaine in powder form, amphetamines, ecstacy or cannabis.

The number of people living in the South East aged between 15 and 24 using crack cocaine and/or opiates stands at over 3,600, which is a particular concern to the addiction expert team at UKAT.

Alexander Eytan, UKAT's chief executive, said: "Public Health England's data clearly shows that an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are addicted to these incredibly potent substances.

"Teenagers misusing crack and opiates at such an early age will not only suffer with the physical effects of the drugs, but the drugs could impact their education overall achievements in life and expose then to criminal environment at a young age, without full understanding of the risks and consequences of their actions."

There are also 10,621 people recorded to be using crack and opiates aged between 25-34, with a further 20,843 people hooked aged between 35 and 64.

Alexander added: "The impact of a person misusing these drugs in later life has a knock-effect on their family, children, spouses as well as their own personal health, which will deteriorate at a much faster pace if drugs use continues, and for some, will prove fatal."