Legal Highs: Greater Manchester Police release warning over Vertex

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent warning about the ‘legal high’ Vertex after lab tests into one product revealed they contain potentially lethal chemicals.

The police force says its intelligence suggests Vertex is often being sold by both retail outlets and local street dealers that are believed to be bulkpurchasing from Bolton.

Forensic tests are being undertaken and officers will be visiting known retailers and taking further actions to restrict availability.

The police also say Vertex can be bought over the internet and is often advertised as a type of incense.

The warning is a reaction to the earlier revelation by Cheshire Police that Vertex samples they had tested contained a chemical which has already been responsible for deaths in Europe.

Greater Manchester Police say they are now "extremely concerned that Vertex poses a significant risk to life and would urge anyone using or considering using Vertex or any legal high to cease from doing so immediately".

They also called on anyone who has consumed the product to seek medical help straightaway.

Chief Inspector Gary Simpson said:

The Event Director of Parklife Jon Drape added:

The police have also released a list of the potential symptoms of Vertex including:

• Profuse sweating• Racing heartbeat• Extreme muscle tension• Delirious ranting• Very high body temperature

If any person is showing signs of these symptoms it’s essential todial 999, put the casualty in the recovery position and ask forimmediate medical assistance. For help or advice on all drugsincluding legal highs ‘Talk to Frank’ 0800776600 www.talktofrank.com