POLICE are carrying out additional patrols around Marlborough recreation ground following the discovery of nitrous oxide canisters.

In the past there have been incidents of teenagers inhaling nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, in Priory Gardens, Salisbury Road rec and Elcot Lane playing fields.

Some of the side effects include dizziness, slurred speech and fits of the giggles while unconsciousness or death from lack of oxygen can occur.

Currently the police are unsure whether these canisters have been used by people in the area or have just been dumped in and around the recreation ground. Nitrous oxide canisters can be bought online but it is illegal to sell them to people under 18 if it is believed they are likely to be inhaling the gas.

Sergeant Barry Reed said: “Our concerns are very much around whether they are being misused. There are significant side effects to inhaling nitrous oxide.”