Solvent abuse warning after boy, 13, seriously injured
A WARNING about the dangers of solvent abuse has been issued, after an incident in which a 13-year-old local boy ended up critically injured in hospital.
On Sunday, Le Guet and Fort Hommet were closed for police investigations after the medical incident on Saturday night, which left the teenager needing treatment in hospital in the UK.
A Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said the incident had brought officers’ attention to the fact there were young people gathering in large groups to abuse solvents, like aerosols.
‘This is extremely dangerous and can have very serious consequences, as this incident has highlighted,’ he said.
‘We would urge parents to speak with their children about the dangers associated with this practice, and to please be aware of where your children are, who they are with and what they are doing as much as possible.
‘This particular instance involved children between the ages of 11 and 15, who were out very late at night.’
He said the Saturday gathering was not a one-off.
‘There are concerns that a similar life-threatening incident may happen again,’ he said. ‘It was likely that this gathering was organised through social media.
‘Guernsey Police will continue to work with other organisations in the Bailiwick like the Youth Commission and other third sector groups to partners in Health & Social Care to tackle issues like this and to help keep our young people safe.’
. Anyone with immediate concerns can contact Guernsey Police on 222222, or Action for Children Guernsey on 700218 for advice.
. Anyone with information about the 9 October incident at Fort Hommet and Le Guet should contact the police’s public protection unit on 222222 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
