Parents warned vapes containing spice are being sold to children in Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Police said it has intelligence which suggests children as young as 12 are being supplied with synthetic cannabinoids in Selby.

One officer said he seized 18 bottles of vape liquid from a 17-year-old boy in the town on Friday night. The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and then released under investigation.

Spice is a nickname for a group of cannabinoids produced in laboratories. They are similar to natural cannabis, but far more potent and can cause anxiety, paranoia, seizures and heart attacks.

Sergeant Jack Waterton said he is urging parents and carers to be “extra vigilant about young people using vapes” and “fully aware of what they may contain”.

He added: “This is clearly a very concerning emerging issue in the Selby area. We are working closely with public health and other community partners to ensure the supply and use of such potentially harmful illegal substances is halted at the earliest opportunity.

“We are grateful for any information about suspected drug-related crime and this investigation shows the decisive action we take.”

Gill Kelly, Consultant in Public Health in North Yorkshire, said: “We would like to reinforce that e-cigarettes are a product designed to help people addicted to nicotine to quit smoking for good. They are not intended for those people who have never smoked.

“Additionally, not all vapes contain regulated levels of nicotine, or even nicotine itself, but may be filled with substances that may cause harm.”