Police officers have been raising awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse after canisters were seen littered on streets.

Carlisle police officers have shared a photograph of littered canisters of nitrous oxide discarded on a street.

The branding on the canisters is Cream Deluxe, a product intended to be used in a culinary environment to pressurise whipped cream.

These whipped cream chargers, or 'whippets', can fill balloons, from which the gas is then inhaled, creating a sedative effect.

A spokesperson from Cumbria police in Carlisle said: “When inhaled, nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body’s responses, and the effect of the drug varies depending on how much has been inhaled.

“Taking nitrous oxide can cause the following side effects by restricting blood flow to your brain: severe headaches; dizziness; stop you thinking straight; short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia.

“Continued or excess use of nitrous oxide can cause serious lasting damage to your body and brain, as with any drug there is also a risk of death by overdosing and suffocating.

“Bringing nitrous oxide to share with your friends could land you in a lot of trouble as it is an offence under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 to supply to others.

“Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide can slow your response times and increase the risk of falling unconscious at the wheel.

“It is an offence under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and you could be risking your licence.

“Please report sightings of the canisters to your local neighbourhood policing team via non-emergency routes, 101, email, or online reporting.