School children collapse in town centre after inhaling vape liquid and cannabis mix

Aug 09, 2023

Police believe it was a very dangerous and misguided prank

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Three children collapsed in a small market town after inhaling a cannabis-derived liquid mixed with vape fluid. Lincolnshire Police said some of the children in Sleaford town centre needed hospital care but have recovered.

Sergeant Stuart Mumby-Croft, of Sleaford Neighbourhood Police Team said: "We had reported incidents in which three children collapsed in the town centre. Following inquiries, we believe that some youths may have been mixing THC (a derivative of cannabis) liquids with vape liquids and offered them to children, who were unaware of the mix of substances.

"We have engaged with all three local schools to advise parents of the issue and we would like to take this opportunity to reinforce this message about speaking to your children regarding the dangers of vaping in general and particularly in accepting vapes, or a drag of a vape, from other people."

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In his letter to parents, Sgt Mumby-Croft wrote that there were at least three reported incidents the police knew of where children in the town centre have been given a vape, smoked it, and then fallen unwell and collapsed.

He added: "All of those children have, fortunately, made a subsequent recovery. Hospital treatment has however been required in some cases, with medical professionals stating the symptoms displayed suggest the possible inhalation of a substance such as cannabis.

"There is no suggestion that those children involved have voluntarily inhaled a cannabis-based substance which leaves us making assumptions as to how these incidents have occurred. One such conclusion I am forced to consider is the potential of these incidents being the result of a very dangerous and misguided 'prank'.

"We have entered an age where our children now are far more likely to vape than smoke. Some may argue this is healthier, but it comes with significant negative impacts. Vapes afford children the opportunity to ingest nicotine much more secretly than they can with a lit cigarette with a more limited risk of being detected.

"The frequency and volume of nicotine they can take in, especially with some vapes and liquids being of very high nicotine content, can lead to significant nicotine addiction and dependence much more swiftly. Children under 18 should not be able to purchase them, but the volume we are finding among young teenagers, especially cheap disposable vapes, is high.

"Given the incidents of children collapsing I have detailed above, I am sure I do not need to tell you of the dangers if your children accept, borrow or purchase vapes from other pupils, friends or associates. I must ask you please to have frank conversations with your children about both the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction, but also to press home the message that trusting someone willing to give or sell you a vape on the street is unwise and fraught with risk."

The letter continues: "We are aware of the incorrect use of vapes to vape cannabis oils, THC and synthetic highs such as spice. One highly concentrated lung full from a vape for those unused to such substances can render them very unwell indeed, very quickly.

"So far these have been isolated incidents and my hope is that by having conversations with our children and being alert, we can negate any further such instances. I would ask if out of those conversations your child discloses any information such as where our children are obtaining these devices, to please get in touch with us and pass this on so we may seek to take action."

Trading Standard seized more than 5,000 illegal vapes from shops in the county between April and December last year including vapes exceeding the legal nicotine content and the delivery dose (puff).

Disposable vapes should have around 600 puffs but some of those seized in Lincolnshire had up to 10,000 puffs. Underage sales of vapes is an area of growing concern for Trading Standards.

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