SHOCKING footage has been released showing the effects of "legal highs" as part of a campaign aimed at preventing more people from using them.

The video - published by Cheshire Police - shows a series of people collapsing after taking stimulants.

While they're not illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, legal highs aren't as innocent as their name suggests and can often leave users looking lifeless, often in the middle of busy towns and shopping centres.

They often produce the same effects as illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

But legal highs aren’t just the drug of choice those who use illegal drugs. They can entice working professionals just as easily.

Cheshire Police are urging people to steer clear of legal highs and are asking members of the public for their help with regards to tackling drugs in their communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "Legal highs are highly dangerous and can have significant health implications for those who use them. The emergency services have seen an increase in calls regarding legal highs, and it’s a topic that features often in the media.

“I want to reassure the communities across Cheshire that we’re here for them, when and where they need us. I want to stress that the police are taking action against sellers/distributors of legal highs through legislative powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. We want to stop users of legal highs coming to serious harm and protect others from anti-social behaviour, which is often linked to the use.”

Cheshire's police and crime commissioner John Dwyer said: “It’s worrying to see and hear that people across the county, of all ages, are willing to take the risk of taking these substances.

"Just because a substance is called a legal high, doesn’t mean that it’s safe - you can never be sure what is in a legal high and what its affects will be.

"I urge people to think about the potential consequences of their actions before making a potential life changing decision.”

Senior Paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service, Wayne Pemberton added: "These substances are not designed for human consumption and people should not be fooled into thinking they are safe because of their nickname.

“I, myself have witnessed a change in the extremity of the symptoms presented in people who have taken these ‘legal highs’, such as hallucination, unconsciousness and even respiratory arrest and, as we have no idea what chemicals have gone into the drugs, it can be difficult to know how to treat these patients.

“It is particularly concerning seeing young people take these substances as they become extremely vulnerable and can easily get themselves into dangerous positions as they lose their inhibitions are not in control of their actions.”

To help Cheshire Police tackle drugs, it’s vital that information is passed from communities to local officers.

  • If you have any information regarding legal highs or drugs in your area, you should call 101. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.