Unknown substance warning as Orkney pupils fall ill

Police have issued a warning about capsules containing an unknown substance after five school pupils fell ill at a halls of residence in Orkney.

Two of the young people at Papdale Halls in Kirkwall were admitted to hospital after the group became unwell on Wednesday.

The pair have since been released from hospital.

Kirkwall Grammar School pupils aged 12-18 who live on outlying islands stay at Papdale Halls during term time.

Orkney Islands Council said a "concerning situation" had arisen at the hostel which was now the subject of a police investigation.

Executive director of education, James Wylie, said: "I want to reassure parents and carers that steps are being taken to further engage with young people on the potential dangers around substance misuse.!

Coloured liquid

Police said officers were liaising with NHS Orkney and the local authority.

"We are appealing for parents and carers to ask their children if they have in their possession an unknown substance, in particular a clear capsule that may contain a brown or other coloured liquid", a statement said.

"We are asking for parental support to assist in dealing with this situation and want to stress that this is not about punishment, this is about the health and wellbeing of our young people at this time.

"A joint investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and inquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with such a capsule is urged to hands it over to their parents, the school, an appropriate adult or the police, and not to ingest it.