Romsey students left needing hospital after vaping

The Mountbatten School and The Romsey School have issued a desperate plea to parents after a number of students had to be taken to hospital after using e-cigarettes. 

Students have reported heart palpitations, confusion, and, in one case, "fitting and loss of consciousness", an email to parents said.

The Mountbatten School is located on Whitenap Lane in Romsey. (Image: File)

Signed by headteachers Andrew Portas and Annie Eagle, the letter seen by the Daily Echo reads: "In the last two weeks, there have been a small number of cases of students from both our communities requiring hospital treatment after using vapes. 

"It is suspected that the contents of these vapes were not what they appeared to be, and this is currently being investigated. 

"Students who have been affected by this have presented with accelerated heart rates far exceeding normal levels, confusion, and, in one case, fitting and loss of consciousness." 

READ MORE: Stella Artois and tobacco seized from Southampton shops

The Mountbatten School sent this letter to parents (Image: Newsquest)

Concerns are growing over the use of vapes among young people.

Only yesterday, dangerous vapes and illegal tobacco were seized in a series of raids in St Mary's.

The government is also planning to close a loophole allowing retailers to give out free samples to children.

The Romsey headteachers have also spoken out about the increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.

"The police have informed us that there have been a number of incidents recently where young people have been involved in some significant anti-social behaviour.

"These incidents have taken place during weekends and evenings. 

"Some of these incidents have involved a small group of individuals, whereas others have involved in excess of fifty young people."

READ MORE: Hampshire man creates vape detector to tackle vaping in schools

Police have increased patrols in and around Romsey (Image: Test Valley Cops)

Police reported a number of incidents involving teenagers around Abbottswood, Fishlake Meadows and the skate park which have led to more patrols.

A message shared on the Test Valley Cops Facebook page says: "We are very aware of an ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour and public disorder in and around Romsey. 

"We would like to reassure you all that we are doing everything we can to tackle this issue."

It adds: "We know some residents may not feel the same level of enthusiasm we have with how we are dealing with this issue, however, we just want you to know that we are listening and doing everything we can to make streets safer in Romsey."