POLICE have issued a warning about ‘laughing gas’ cannisters that were left in a city car park.

Nitrous oxide cartridges and a balloon were found in the car park next to the Ketch Viewpoint, in Worcester, yesterday.

A local police sergeant wants to deter people from taking the drug, also known as 'hippy crack', which was one of the 'legal highs' banned by the government in 2016.

Sgt Carl Jones said: “It’s extremely dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide, we know there have been deaths related to the use of it.

“If you go to a lot of public places, parks etc, you will see these cannisters knocking about.

“One of the demographics is teenagers, but I’ve seen men in their 40s doing it. It’s not exclusive to young people.

“I’d say if you are finding large clusters of these items in parks or public places, notify your Safer Neighbourhood Teams and we will step up patrols.”

Sgt Jones said the abuse of nitrous oxide, which was banned under the Psychoactive Substances Act, is a national issue.

A Public Health England spokesman added: “The high from nitrous oxide doesn’t last very long but can be dangerous.

"It causes dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, sound distortions and hallucinations. The risks are increased by also taking other substances, especially alcohol.

"As it’s difficult to judge how much you have used, you could end up fainting or having an accident. The safest option is not to use it.”

The spokesman added that the contents of new psychoactive substances frequently change and their effects can be dangerous and unpredictable.

They said: "These substances can cause immediate health problems and lead to dependence, but long-term harms are still largely unknown.

“As well as treating the harms caused, we also need to ensure those at greater risk, particularly the young, have the knowledge and resilience to make positive choices about their health.”

For more details visit www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide