POLICE are reissuing a warning of the dangers of new psychoactive substances after a fifth man was taken to hospital in a matter of days.

A 43-year-old man remains in Bristol Royal Infirmary after collapsing in the Broadmead area of Bristol after taking the so-called legal high Spice.

It follows a number of incidents last weekend in which a 49-year-old man died and three other men were taken to hospital after falling at two other locations.

They have all since been discharged from hospital.

Police are investigating whether there is an evidential link between the incidents, but there is information to suggest some of those affected may have taken Spice.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary drugs strategy manager Paul Bunt said: “We’ve seen a number of serious incidents in Bristol and are warning people not to take these so-called legal highs.

“If you take an NPS you are playing Russian roulette with your health.

“Many of these types of products have not been tested on humans and can contain chemicals which, if consumed, can leave you at a grave risk of suffering serious ill health and can even prove fatal.

“These messages are reinforced by the imminent arrival of the Psychoactive Substances Bill which is due to come into force in April and will make these substances illegal.”

NPS are often sold as plant food, incense or research chemicals and are sometimes labelled ‘not fit for human consumption’.

These substances often have product names similar to the street drugs they mimic.

For more information about legal highs, their potential effects on health and details of support organisations, visit https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/neighbourhood-and-community/drug-offences/legal-highs/