North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning to parents about an ‘extremely dangerous’ substance being abused in the county.
Officers have seen an increase in reports of empty canisters of nitrous oxide gas being found in open areas where young people congregate.
In their latest community message, police say: “Nitrous oxide can be extremely dangerous, so we’re calling for parents to be vigilant for signs that their children are purchasing it.
“People may believe that because the gas is widely available and easily purchased, that it’s harmless.
“However, inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness and ultimately suffocation, as the body is essentially starved of oxygen.
“There is also evidence to show that people with heart conditions can be at higher risk of harm and that inhalation can lead to anaemia or long-term nerve damage.”
They asked anyone who sees suspicious activity where you think nitrous oxide is being consumed to report it to the police via 101 or the North Yorkshire Police website.