Police in New Zealand are racing to trace sweets containing “potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine” after they were distributed by a charity in Auckland.

Up to 400 people may have received the sweets from Auckland City Mission as part of a food parcel, said the anti-poverty charity.

The sweets were donated anonymously by a member of the public in a sealed retail package, it added.

At least three people, including a child, sought medical attention afterwards though none are currently in hospital.