Police officers were asked to “light a joint” by a group smoking cannabis.

Plain-clothed officers were out on patrol when they stopped three individuals.

One member of the group asked an officer for a lighter so they could light a joint.

All three of them were found with “quantities of cannabis on their person” and were given community resolutions, according to police.

This included having to attend a drug diversion course to educate them about the effects of cannabis.

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In a post on social media, a spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “Over the last few days Bargate officers have been out in St Mary's, Holyrood, and Polygon areas deployed in both plain-clothes and uniform.

“Officers have been conducting a range of patrols including in marked and unmarked cars, bicycles, and on foot.

“This has been a part of a proactive operation to tackle drug related harm across the city.”