Drug-laced vapes warning as children hospitalised
Getty ImagesThree children have been taken to hospital after a vape was suspected to have been laced with illegal drugs.
Police were called to Unity City Academy on Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough - which caters for 11- to 16-year-olds - at about 09:00 BST, following reports of three pupils becoming unwell.
They were taken to James Cook University Hospital, where some received treatment, and were currently in a stable condition, Cleveland Police said.
"Inquiries into where the vapes were obtained are ongoing," Det Ch Insp John Bonner said.
"Thankfully the children informed an adult as soon as they felt unwell.
"We are working closely with the school to warn children and their parents on the dangers of using vapes."
Issuing a reminder that the legal age to purchase and use a vape is 18, Det Ch Insp Bonner added: "Not only is this a health issue, but those possessing and supplying illegal drugs could be committing criminal offences."
He urged anyone who suspected they had been given or had bought an illegal vape possibly laced with drugs not to use it and to report it as soon as possible.