Students in Liverpool have been warned over the latest party drug to hit the city, which has seen seven people hospitalised in the past week.
The substance, known as GEEBS (GammaButyrolactone), is an alloy wheel cleaner and is a banned drug and illegal for human consumption.
Merseyside Police say they were called to student accommodation in Liverpool city centre last weekend, following a report of concern for the safety of a man who was later taken to Royal Liverpool Hospital after he collapsed. Since then, a further six people have received hospital treatment in the area.
Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent Chris Green said: “Thankfully these men have not suffered serious effects, however I would like to reiterate my warning to students and young people that if taken, GEEBS, which is actually a chemical used to clean alloy wheels, can have serious side effects and can kill, even in small doses.”
Two 20-year-old men were rushed to hospital after emergency services were called to the Victoria Hall student flats in Hatton Garden just after 5pm last Monday, while a 19-year-old man was admitted separately to Royal Liverpool University Hospital the same evening.
He added: “We will continue to work with our city’s universities to warn people about the dangers of taking drugs and chemicals, particularly if mixed with alcohol, or other substances.”