December 8, 2016 2.11 pm This story is over 87 months old

Man fighting for life after taking ‘legal highs’ in Grimsby

A Grimsby man has been left fighting for his life following a suspected overdose of psychoactive substances, known formerly as legal highs. Ambulance crews called officers to an address in Thorgam Court at around 6pm on Monday, December 5, after a 43-year-old man collapsed. He is currently receiving treatment at the Diana, Princess of Wales…

A Grimsby man has been left fighting for his life following a suspected overdose of psychoactive substances, known formerly as legal highs.

Ambulance crews called officers to an address in Thorgam Court at around 6pm on Monday, December 5, after a 43-year-old man collapsed.

He is currently receiving treatment at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, where his condition is said to be life threatening.

Two men, aged 38 and 31, and two women, aged 47 and 25, were arrested in connection with the incident a short time later.

All have been bailed to a date in January.

Appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, Detective Inspector James Fairgrieve said: “First and foremost, I would like to offer our sympathies to this man’s friends and family, at what is an extremely difficult time.

“This tragic incident comes as a hard-hitting warning to those considering using New Psychoactive Substances – or legal highs as they are more commonly known.

“Although it has yet to be officially confirmed, we understand the man had been using a drug known as Spice prior to his collapse.

“As with any illegal drug, there is no way of knowing what that substance contains and the potentially lethal effect it could have on those who take it until it is too late.”

“Intelligence held locally suggests unscrupulous dealers are mixing Spice with heroin to draw users into addiction. None of these drugs should be taken as they can be fatal’’

If you have any information relating to the incident – or drug use in your area – call 101, quoting log number 408 of December 5.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A blanket ban on ‘legal highs’ came into force in the UK back in May. Laws criminalising the production, distribution and sale of the drugs came after a ban was first trialled in Lincoln.