Public safety warning about LSD

We are issuing a public safety warning and appealing for witnesses after a 23-year-old man suffered a severe medical episode in Kirkby in the early hours of Saturday 17 August.

At around 12.30am, emergency services attended at an address in Overton Close to reports of a man having been taken ill. The man is believed to have suffered a drug induced episode. He was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition.

It is initially believed that the man took what is believed to be LSD, in a jelly sweet form, supplied in a small plastic snap bag, which is to be confirmed, and an investigation is ongoing to ensure that nobody else has suffered serious effects of taking these or other drugs, including checks with local hospitals, and other local forces.

Detective Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers of taking LSD which can cause vivid and dangerous hallucinations. It can lead to ongoing flashbacks and other visual distortions that can cause extreme distress. It can also be very dangerous in combination with other drugs. The safest option is not to take it

“We are urging anyone who took any substances like this, or anyone who suspects someone they know has done, to attend at their nearest hospital for assessment. Likewise, if you are still in possession of any of the described drugs, please do not take them under any circumstances but let us know and we will recover them for further enquiries to be made.

"We have launched a full investigation to establish what these drugs were and who supplied them and will act on all information to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

"You may be worried about being in trouble for taking illegal drugs, however our immediate priority is to ensure that nobody else is affected. Ensure that family and friends are safe and well and report any concerns to medical services immediately.”

“If you have information about who is responsible for supplying this or any other drugs in your community contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.