Urgent police warning as five young people end up in hospital after taking LSD in Colburn, North Yorkshire

Officers say enquiries are ongoing to identify the source and supply of the drug - which is in the form of small black paper squares with a red flash design - but say they are extremely concerned others may take it or are going to take it.

Inspector Mark Gee, of Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our message is clear: these drugs are inherently dangerous, particularly when taken with other substances including alcohol.

"It is illegal and could have serious consequences.

"If you or anyone you are with have taken illicit substances and become unwell, please seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible.

“Illegal drugs often contain different substances, making it impossible to visually identify what they are, or how strong they are. The effects of this hallucinogenic can be strong, unpredictable and overwhelming to the user, as seen with the hospitalisation this week of a number of young people locally.”

Anyone with information about these drugs is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 12210064362.