Warning after vapes containing Spice drug seized in Selby

Police issued a warning after reports of children as young as 12 being supplied with vapes containing a "potentially life-threatening" drug

Police have issued a warning after reports of children as young as 12 being supplied with vapes containing the illegal synthetic drug Spice.

It follows the arrest of a 17-year-old boy found with 18 bottles of vape liquid in Selby on 6 October.

North Yorkshire Police urged parents and carers to be "extra vigilant" about young people using vapes.

Sgt Jack Waterton said: "This is clearly a very concerning emerging issue in the Selby area."

'Life-threatening'

The use of Spice, which is designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, is associated with "severe health problems and can be life-threatening", a force spokesperson said.

Sgt Waterton said the force was working to stop the supply and use of the illegal substance "at the earliest opportunity".

The 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

After being questioned he was released under investigation and the substance was sent off for testing, officers said.

Test results have since confirmed the substance to be synthetic cannabinoids.