POLICE have made an urgent appeal for teenagers who were rushed to hospital after taking what they believed was the "party drug" ketamine to come forward - and potentially save lives.

Six young people were taken to Airedale Hospital with nausea and vomiting after taking the drug in Skipton licensed premises on Saturday, November 30.

Police say they need to trace the supplier of the drug as lives could well be in danger. They believe those who were sold the substance were told it was ketamine, which is itself a dangerous Class B illegal drug.

But if it is being adulterated with other substances it is impossible to tell what the dangers of taking the drug might be, police say.

They were told about the incident by "a concerned third party" and have spoken to some of the teenagers involved.

But they want the remaining ones to come forward with information "as a matter of urgency". None of the teenagers was hospitalised but some were kept under observation in A&E for several hours.

Inspector Geoff Crocker, of Skipton Police, said it was important to recognise that ambulance and medical staff do not give details of drug overdoses to police unless there is a death or violence is involved.

He said: "This incident highlights one of the most significant dangers of drug taking - you have no idea of what you are ingesting and how you will react to that. What is sold in this case as ketamine may well be something completely different. Drugs of this type would in any case be cut with other substances.

"I need those people involved to talk to us about what happened. Who did you obtain the drugs from and if you have any more to ensure you do not take it."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Insp Crocker on 101.

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