Police patrolled a park in Brown Edge after finding "evidence of the use of nitrous oxide canisters".

Officers were in the park at High Lane this morning (Tuesday 5th April) and put signs up to warn those who are potentially inhaling the gas that the park is regularly patrolled.

Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is often inhaled recreationally to produce a short euphoric feeling.

Although use in moderation is safe, it can produce side effects such as dizziness. Heavy long term use can also risk causing vitamin B12 deficiency.

The law regarding nitrous oxide is complicated. The canisters are currently legal to buy as they have a number of legitimate uses including the production of whipped cream. However, it is illegal to sell nitrous oxide if you believe the person buying it will inhale it. Therefore, prohibition is difficult to enforce.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police's Moorlands team said: "We continue to patrol our local parks including High Lane, Brown Edge.

"We've found evidence of the use of nitrous oxide canisters at the location and want to warn users about the dangers of using them."