Lincolnshire Police in legal highs warning after incidents including one where father’s lip was ‘ripped off’

The force is also warning that some ingredients used in products are similar to those used in weed killer and floor paint.

Making the appeal today (Friday), the force was keen to highlight the dangers of one particular product - called Exodus Damnation.

“The product, which is being sold in Lincolnshire, is of particular concern at the moment. In other parts of the country there have been some alarming incidents involving the substance,” said a police spokesperson.

“Ambulance crews have requested police officers to assist with a number of violent patients.

“At one incident two 17-year-old teenagers ingested Exodus Damnation via a bong and suffered severe symptoms of delirium, damaging their home address and trying to jump from the stairs and out of windows.

“When restrained, they fitted and overheated.

“In another incident an ambulance crew called the police regarding an 18-year-old man who was violent and aggressive towards them.

“While the ambulance crew and paramedics were present [he] bit his father on the face, ripping off his lip and part of his chin. He also caused extensive damage to the ambulance.

“The ingredients listed on the packaging of Exodus Damnation are those found in garden moss killer and floor paint.”

“Legal highs are on sale at various outlets, including dedicated “head shops” across Lincolnshire.

“Over the last year a number of people have been extremely ill after taking these products – with local hospitals reporting an increase in patients complaining of palpitations, chest pains, panic and breathing difficulties.

“Anecdotally, local schools have also suggested to the police that they suspect a limited number of pupils are regularly under the influence of these substances in class.

“This industry is not regulated and the products on sale are not tested. Many contain harmful substances and some even contain illegal drugs.

“The police can only take positive action if illegal drugs like M-CAT are involved and in recent months premises have been visited and substances have been seized.

“If the substances do not contain illegal drugs, even though they are harmful, at present there is little the authorities can do to restrict their sale.

“Other options are currently being explored by various local agencies with a view to improving this situation,” they added.