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'LEGAL HIGH' WARNING

Teen in coma after smoking banned ‘legal high’ Spice with a Batman logo

Police issue warning to parents after two teens were rushed to hospital in Colchester, Essex

Colchester General Hospital

TWO teenagers ended up in hospital - with one in an induced coma - after a serious reaction to synthetic cannabis Spice.

They were rushed to Colchester General Hospital, Essex, on Friday after consuming a variety of the drug which has the Batman logo displayed on the packaging.

 Two teenagers ended up in Colchester General Hospital after taking synthetic cannabis Spice last Friday
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Two teenagers ended up in Colchester General Hospital after taking synthetic cannabis Spice last FridayCredit: Alamy

Police have not released the sex or age of the two youngsters.

One of the teenagers was initially placed into an induced coma but they are now recovering in hospital.

Officers have issued a warning to remind people of the dangers of taking illegal drugs including those formerly known as "legal highs".

A ban on psychoactive substances such as Spice came into force in May.

DC Rachel Moss of the Child Abuse Investigation Team said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of taking all illegal substances as well as those known as 'legal highs'.

"We have seen cases up and down the country where the consequences of taking these substances has been serious and in some cases tragic.

"Fortunately in this case both teenagers are now recovering but the outcome could have been very different.

"Although the manufacture and sale of 'legal highs' has now been banned, we know that they are still available and for that reason we are urging people to think twice before using them as in many cases these substances can be significantly stronger than even traditional types of illegal drug.”

Spice, a synthetic type of cannabis, is odourless and has the appearance of a herbal substance.

It has been linked to serious health issues including breathing difficulties and psychotic episodes.

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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