Police in Weston-super-Mare have issued a warning about the serious health risks associated with vaping after an 11-year-old boy fell ill in the town centre, leading to hospitalisation. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, April 7, has left the boy’s family deeply shaken as authorities work to uncover the cause.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a teenager has been arrested in connection with the case, and a vape device recovered during the investigation is currently undergoing testing. The boy fell unwell at The Italian Gardens, the central town plaza, with CCTV operators alerting emergency services at 3:42 pm. Street wardens and community officers provided immediate assistance until paramedics arrived, administering naloxone—a lifesaving medication typically used for opioid overdoses—before transporting the boy to hospital.
Fortunately, the child has since been discharged and is continuing his recovery at home, with his family being kept regularly updated by the police. While it is not confirmed that the boy used the vape, authorities are treating the device as crucial to their ongoing enquiry.
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Inspector Lee Kerslake emphasised the community concern regarding the incident and assured that the police are conducting thorough enquiries. He highlighted the cooperation between neighbourhood policing teams and local authorities in tackling the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products.
Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge expressed his deep concern over the incident, praising the swift police action that included the use of naloxone, which contributed significantly to the child’s survival. He stressed that this was not an isolated event and called for stronger powers for law enforcement to quickly and decisively address the sale of illicit vaping products.
Authorities are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 5226094766. Suspicions about illegal vape sales can also be reported confidentially via the police website or phone line.