POLICE are appealing for anyone who may have found some lost painkilling tablets in Christchurch to hand them in.

The 56 oxycodone tablets, which were in a paper bag, went missing in the Bargates area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm today (Friday, April 13).

The prescription drugs had just been picked up from the chemist.

Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is similar to morphine.

Anyone who finds the tablets should hand them into a chemist.