COUNCIL leader Michael Jones has warned dealers selling a new type of potentially fatal legal high to stay out of Cheshire East.

It follows an alert from Cheshire Police after several incidents elsewhere in the county involving Vertex, which is also known as Space Cadet.

Cllr Jones is also appealing to parents and schools to be extra vigilant and to watch out for tell-tale signs among young people who may be tempted to try the legal high.

The Cheshire East leader recently announced a major new policy around intervention and support for young people with troubled lives.

And he declared: “People who peddle these legal highs are despicable and are preying on the vulnerable and the young.

“I would be very concerned if any young people in Cheshire East fell victim to these potentially-lethal substances.

“I applaud the police for alerting everyone to the dangers of Vertex, which it appears is being peddled by unscrupulous dealers on our doorstep.”

Vertex is known to contain a highly dangerous chemical linked to a number of deaths on the continent.

Cheshire police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts has appealed to anyone supplying the legal high to stop and for anyone who has purchased it, has used it or is considering using it, to stop.

And he says anyone who has taken it should seek urgent medical assistance.

“This has become an increasingly worrying trend that has seen us respond to a number of incidents in the county, particularly over recent days,” said the police chief.

“In light of the laboratory analysis I would advise anyone supplying, using or considering using Vertex to stop immediately before it’s too late.

“If you have taken it, seek medical assistance now.”

Officers have spoken to a number of outlets known to supply Vertex and advised them to remove the legal high from their shelves indefinitely.

Vertex can cause delirious ranting, profuse sweating, racing heart beat, muscle tension and a sudden high body temperature.

Medics say that anyone showing signs of these symptoms should be placed in the recovery position and an ambulance called.

Cllr Jones said: “This is extremely worrying and I appeal to Cheshire East residents to report any suspicions to the police.

“I am also telling the dealers in this drug to stay out of Cheshire East.”

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities, said: “Young people think so-called legal highs are a safe option.

“But there have been nearly 200 deaths in England associated with these substances.

“Users of ‘legal highs’ may receive help through the Cheshire East substance misuse service.

“There they will be supported and advised on the physical and psychological risks and long-term consequences.”