VIOLENCE, crime and substance misuse are widespread across colleges, with students regularly carrying weapons and drugs, according to damning new research.

Unison said a survey of 780 support staff in further education and sixth-form colleges had found that seven in 10 reported drug abuse among students being a problem.

A third said crime involving weapons was a concern, while a fifth believed gang culture was a problem at their institution.

Three in 10 staff surveyed have had to deal with students who brought drugs into college and two-fifths have had dealings with students who are under the influence of drugs, the survey found.

Staff described routinely finding weapons such as knives, guns, machetes and hammers.

Injuries reported included a member of staff being stabbed in the back with a screwdriver and a student suffering multiple fractures and concussion.

Drugs regularly found inside colleges included cannabis, cocaine and ketamine, said the union.

Unison said its research had revealed a “disturbing” picture of violence and substance misuse by young people in colleges.

General secretary Christina McAnea added: “Dangerous behaviour needs to be tackled to ensure students and staff are safe and colleges remain secure environments for young people to learn and thrive.”