Police issue warning about 'laughing gas' after reports of canisters in Leeds

Officers who police east Leeds spoke out about Nitrous Oxide - also known as laughing gas or NOX - after finding evidence of the drug in the area.

It follows an illegal rave in Kirkstall last week where 600 gas canisters were found.

Another said her six-year-old had asked what they were when they spotted some canisters in a car park in Halton.

Other users said they had seen some in Roundhay, Seacroft and Crossgates.

Officers took to social media to remind people of the dangers - including loss of consciousness and possible suffocation.

The West Yorkshire Police Leeds East said: "Your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams want to take a minute to remind members of our communities, their friends and families of the rules and risks around inhaling Nitrous Oxide also known as “Laughing Gas” and “NOX”.

"A number of reports and evidence of use has been highlighted in the communities we serve and we would like to highlight that there is a number of health risks to those who may be involved in the use of Nitrous Oxide, including: loss of consciousness, possible suffocation, Vtiamin B12 deficiency (a form of anaemia) and it increases risks from other drugs and intoxicants like alcohol."

"Nitrous Oxide is also considered a “psychoactive drug” and is covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which means it is illegal to give it away, even to your friends, it is illegal to supply, you could receive a 7 year prison sentence, fine or both, using it and then driving is considered the same as drug driving."

"If you know of anyone that is involved with Nitrous Oxide make sure they know about the health risks and law regarding the use and supply."

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