21 November 2023 , 15:29
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Police have issued a warning to parents after a young girl was found unresponsive as she allegedly took an overdose of Ketamine.
Merseyside Police made the alert after officers on patrol were called to the schoolgirl at the junction of Hardshaw Street and Tolver Street in St Helens, Merseyside on Friday. It was reported that she was with a huge group of pupils, who were reportedly aged between 12 and 13, at the back of St Helens Town Hall.
Several of the teens fled the scene when police arrived and the girl was rushed to hospital. According to St Helens local policing team, a second girl also displayed signs of drug use after she became verbally aggressive towards the cops.
She was taken home to her parents and safeguarding reports were submitted, reports Liverpool Echo. Patrols remain in the St Helens area to help prevent any further incidents. Police are urging all parents and guardians to learn more about the risks and signs of ketamine and county lines. Ketamine is a Class B drug that's used by doctors and vets as an anaesthetic to relieve pain and induce loss of consciousness. However, it's also used illegally as an hallucinogenic.
St Helens Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Stacey Pope said: “We are determined to help parents, guardians and young people understand the harmful effects of ketamine and the associated risks of being drawn into the world of county lines drug dealing. Last year, we organised a drama competition for local school students to create a performance that educated their peers on the risks of using ketamine. Rainhill High School’s theatre study group created the winning production 'No to Ketamine’.
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“We also hosted a Q&A session, on Thursday 16 November between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. via Facebook where we were joined by partners from the local authority, health and social care and specialist support services to address the concerns about drug use and criminal exploitation among young people. I would urge parents and guardians to learn more about the risks, impact and signs of ketamine and County Lines, by visiting our St Helens Police Facebook page and joining future Q&A sessions. Find out how, together, we can keep our young people safe.”
For adults aged 19 and over, contact Change, Grow, Live (CGL) on 01744 410752 or visit www.changegrowlive.org If you believe ketamine is being dealt in your area, please contact Merseyside Police via the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org