Police in Carlisle have given a statement on nitrous oxide (laughing gas) after it has been made illegal. 

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "It is now a criminal offence to be found in possession of the drug where its intended use is to be wrongfully inhaled, ‘to get high’.

"Where a person is found in possession of nitrous oxide and intends to wrongfully inhale the substance and/or in the cases of importation, exportation, production, and supply, knows or is reckless as to whether it is likely that another person will wrongfully inhale it, they will be committing an offence.

"From today those found in unlawful possession will face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment, or a caution - which would appear on their criminal record. Repeat serious offenders may face a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, or both.

"Locally we have seen a serious increase in the misuse of Nitrous Oxide and canisters being discarded along roadsides and parks, this change in the law will allow us to crack down on its use and distribution in the city."