Council officers and police have stepped up their efforts to catch those responsible for taking laughing gas at a County Durham rugby club - with reports suggesting that some people had even driven after taking it.
An investigation is ongoing after wardens from Durham County Council found evidence of Nitrous Oxide misuse at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club car parks, with patrols to be increased in the area at this time.
Alongside the warning from the wardens, they have put some advice out for people after they highlighted that "concerningly we receive reports of people driving vehicles after inhaling nitrous oxide."
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Within the advice, they said that if people take too much nitrous oxide they risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen, even adding: "people have died this way".
The warning goes on to say: "Dizziness, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously.
"Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia.
"Severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage, causing tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes. This can be very painful and make walking difficult. It can even lead to paralysis, and the damage may be lasting.
"Regular use can stop you forming white blood cells properly.
"It can be hard to judge the amount to use safely. If you have too much you can end up fainting, having an accident or worse."
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