POTENTIALLY deadly drugs are being sold to children in Warrington over social media platforms such as Snapchat, the Guardian can reveal.

Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police have issued a warning to parents and kids after a spate of reports of teenagers in the town taking diazepam.

This has led to young people being rushed to A&E after falling ill, while nationally some deaths have been reported following similar incidents.

The highly addictive class C drug, also known as benzodiazepam or benzos, is ordinarily used to treat symptoms of anxiety in patients and is only legally available via a prescription.

But it is thought that the pills in circulation have been made illicitly – making their potency, contents and effects ‘unpredictable’.

Three 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl have been arrested in connection with the black market supply of diazepam in Warrington, although all four teens have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries by police.

It is understood that schools across the borough have held assemblies with pupils alerting them to the dangers of diazepam in recent weeks, supported by Public Health England and Warrington Youth Service.

A letter sent by one high school to parents, seen by the Warrington Guardian, stated that the drugs are being dealt on the town’s streets as well as via social networking platforms including Snapchat and described the trend as a ‘major concern’.

In a joint statement, the constabulary and WBC said: “In recent weeks, we’ve been made aware of incidents across the town where young people have taken a drug called diazepam.

“This drug should only be prescribed and is used to treat symptoms of anxiety.

“It can’t be bought over the counter and is often called benzodiazepam or benzos.

“It’s understood that the drugs young people are using in these incidents are known as street benzos and are illegal.

“The drugs circulating are most likely to be made illicitly, which means that the ingredients are not the same as contained in prescribed diazepam making their strength, potency and contents unpredictable.

“This has become a national problem, as there have been hospitalisations and deaths due to use of illicit benzodiazepam across the country.

“In Warrington, there have been some issues with young people falling ill after taking this drug and, on occasion, police and A&E services have been involved.”

Adverse effects suffered as a result of ingestion are believed to relate to breathing, which can be slowed or stopped.

The statement added: “We are currently working together with Warrington schools to deliver appropriate drug information and advice to young people before the term ends.

“Since police became aware of children being supplied the drug, an investigation began – which led to the arrest of three 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old girl on suspicion of drug supply.

“They have since been released under investigation while the investigation continues.

“We are encouraging anyone who has information to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 21000442159.

“Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”