MID Devon youngsters are putting their lives at risk by sniffing butane gas, police warned this week.

The issue was raised by Crediton councillor David Nation who said empty canisters had been found behind the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in the town.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said: “This is a very serious issue. “Youngsters should realise just how dangerous this practice is.

“I would call on all young people to be sensible and not give in to peer pressure to sniff gas or any other drugs.

“I would also call on retailers to think about who they are selling butane gas to.”

Cllr Nation, who worked for 18 years as a probation officer, said he had witnessed at first hand the damage caused by gas sniffing.

"I have seen bright and intelligent 14 or 15-year-olds get completely hooked on gas and it has ruined their lives," he said.

"This is an alarming development in Crediton and it is one that residents are rightly concerned about.

"It could be one individual who is responsible for the canisters which have been discovered but around four or five were found in a week, and this would perhaps suggest a group of youngsters."

National anti-drugs campaigner Lynn Clare said anyone considering using solvents or sniffing gas should be aware of the huge risks posed.

She said: "Gas sniffing is a random killer. If you get away with it one day it does not mean you will next time.

"There are risks of asphyxiation or heart attack and long-term problems with the central nervous system.”

Police officers in Tiverton and Cullompton said they were not aware of youngsters sniffing glue but were always on the look-out for tell-tale sings.