Six pupils took legal high drugs before school

Pupils at Lealands High School in Luton have admitted taking legal high drugs in the hours before school.

Six of the school’s pupils became unwell on Thursday soon after the school day had begun and one of them went to the school’s medical room complaining of feeling ill. The school called the emergency services and upon further investigation it was found that five other pupils in various year groups were experiencing similar symptoms. Three ambulances took the six pupils to Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

It is believed that the youngsters took legal high drugs earlier in the morning before arriving at the school.

Detective Sergeant Sandra Evans of the Bedfordshire Police, who had been called by the school, said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind people that just because a substance is marketed as being ‘legal’, it does not mean it is safe. It’s not always clear what ingredients such substances are made up of, or what effect it is likely to have on you.”

John Burridge, the school’s head teacher, said that the incident was of great concern. He has written a letter to parents stating that the school will work with families and the police and will educate its students about the dangers of taking legal high drugs.

The six pupils admitted to hospital have been discharged and are expected to fully recover from the incident.