Kennett Square police probe reports of needles in Halloween candy

Police in Kennett Square have launched a candy tampering investigation after needles were reportedly found in several children's Halloween hauls.

Sewing-type needles were discovered inside five wrapped Twix bars given to four children from different households as they trick-or-treated in the Stenning Hills area Saturday night, police said.

A fifth person came forward shortly after noon on Sunday to report finding a similar needle in a Snickers bar, according to authorities.

That child hadn't been trick-or-treating in the Stenning Hills area of the one-square-mile borough, but he had been going door to door elsewhere on the west side of town Saturday night, Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick said.

No one ingested the contaminated candy, and no injuries were reported.

Authorities immediately launched a probe, submitting the candy and packaging for examination. Extra officers were brought in to assist with the investigation, and the Chester County District Attorney's Office was contacted, Fetick said.

"We are going at it full speed ahead," he said of the investigation.

Authorities were unsure Sunday whether the candy was compromised at the distribution or store level, or if those who handed it out could be to blame.

"It's a disturbed individual that would do something that would impact children like this," Fetick said. "We're deeply concerned, and we're going to use all available resources to find who did it."

Officials urged parents to check their children's candy before consumption. They also advised that those who handed out candy on Halloween check any leftovers for signs of tampering.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Kennett Square Police Department at 610-444-0501, or to submit an anonymous tip by dialing 610-444-5580.