POLICE have issued a warning about the dangers of legal highs after a number of incidents in the North-East.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said a 33-year-old man from the Washington area was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital for observation after taking a legal high and suffering a reaction on Saturday.

On the same day, police received a report of a 14-year-old boy from the Washington area being taken from the Jubilee Square area to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead, to be checked - again after taking a legal high.

Two boys, aged 16 and 14, were also taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (Tuesday, May 28) after being found by police suffering ill effects from legal highs.

Both have since been released following medical treatment.

In all cases, Exodus or Exodus Blue is believed to have been taken.

Although legal, the substance is sold as an incense to be burned, not consumed. Police in Washington have seized a quantity of this and similar substances for testing.

Neighbourhood officers will also be visiting schools following the half-term holidays to reinforce the message about the dangers of legal highs.

Washington Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Stewart said: "While this product can be sold and used legally, it's an incense to be burned only, not to be consumed as it has been in these cases.

"Being misused in this way has resulted in people needing hospital treatment.

“Thankfully those involved haven't suffered any serious damage, but that's not to say it can't have a more devastating impact on people's health.

"The use of legal highs is far from harmless. They can cause symptoms ranging from reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, unconsciousness and seizures. These risks are increased if mixed with alcohol or other stimulants.”