Warning over unregulated vapes following young people becoming ill in Chorley and West Lancs

Wednesday, 14 February 2024 12:39

Police are warning parents of the dangers of unregulated vapes and liquids after a number of young people became ill.

Over the last week, they have received reports that two pupils at local high schools in Chorley and West Lancashire, have fallen ill after using vapes which are believed to be contaminated.

The pupils experienced dizziness and heart palpitations and in one case, a child lost consciousness for a period of time.

At this time, police are treating these as isolated incidents and investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances. However, they want to get the message out to parents to be vigilant.

Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector, Jon Cisco, said: “The legal age to use vapes is 18 but we know that in some cases irresponsible retailers have failed to uphold this rule, selling vapes and vape products to children.

‘’Not only is this illegal but it also presents a real health issue to young people who could become very unwell by these unregulated products.

We are working closely with our partners and local schools to share intelligence and I would urge anyone with information about those supplying these vapes and vape products, like liquids, to tell us about it so that we can work to get them off the streets and out of the hands of our young people.”

You can relay information on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.