Concerns have been raised about youths using and perhaps dealing laughing gas.

Castle Point and Rochford Neighbourhood Policing Team issues a warning after a large amount of nitrous oxide canisters were found at Woodside Park, Benfleet.

Officers warned the substance has been linked to deaths.

A spokesman said: "Whilst on patrol we came across a large quantity of empty nitrous oxide cannisters at Woodside Park, Benfleet, commonly known as laughing gas.

"They play a big part in food preparation and are widely available, however misuse of these cannisters for a 'high' makes them very dangerous to anyone inhaling the gas.

"There have been deaths attributed to their use, if you find your children in possession of them please confiscate them and dispose of them.

"The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 makes it an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, possess on custodial premises, import or export psychoactive substances; that is, any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect. The maximum sentence will be 7 years’ imprisonment. -

"In summary, it is not currently illegal to possess but it is illegal to possess with the intent to supply."