Wigan businesses are selling 'laughing gas' to school children, police warn

A statement on the GMP Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Facebook page said: "Following intelligence that nitrous oxide is being supplied to children by local businesses in the Hindley area, a reminder that supplying these substances is illegal under Section 5 of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016."

If you have any information on this, please call 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as "laughing gas" or "hippy crack" is taken by inhalation. Users typically transfer the gas from the canister to a balloon using a dispenser.

Once the NO is inside the balloon, the user inhales it to experience symptoms such as euphoria, giddiness. Side effects include numbness, blurred vision, confusion and dizziness.

Frank, one of the UK’s biggest drug helpline, warns that laughing gas can be fatal if it is inhaled directly from the dispenser as it can damage the lungs.

The helpline also warned that people have died after inhaling laughing gas.

Experts say that taking the drug in an enclosed space, such as a car, is also "very dangerous".

They have given the following advice: "Never place a plastic bag over your head. If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen. People have died this way.

"Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. Severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes.

"This can be very painful and make walking difficult. Regular use can stop you forming white blood cells properly.

"It can be hard to judge the amount to use safely. If you have too much you can end up fainting, having an accident or worse."

Addaction’s Wigan branch can be contacted on 01942 487578, and the Leigh branch can be contacted on 01942 404299. Alternatively, visit addaction.org.uk to find out more.