THREE schoolboys from Taunton were rushed to hospital following an adverse reaction to illegal and prescription drugs.

Ambulance staff and police were called to the incident near the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in the county town, with a member of the public reporting seeing the youngsters "spaced out".

Police also attended and said the three, who are all aged 15, were believed to have taken a cocktail of substances, including ketamine, ecstasy and xanax.

A South Western Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed paramedics were called reports of four teenagers needed assistance at the scene at 9.50am on Saturday and police were then contacted to support ambulance crews.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "Three teenage boys were taken to hospital on Saturday morning (April 21) after having an adverse reaction after taking illegal and prescription substances, believed to include ketamine, ecstasy and xanax.

"The boys, who are all aged 15 and from Taunton, were found in Canal Road, Taunton. Officers were called to support ambulance crews at about 10.15am.

"The trio were treated at Musgrove Park Hospital and discharged overnight."

Neighbourhood police are appealing for anyone with information about drug supply in Taunton to get in touch. Anyone with specific information about this incident should quote the reference 5218086015.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Daniel Bishop said: "Young people who take drugs can be more vulnerable to falling victim to crime on top of the potentially devastating impact on their health.

"Users can never be sure exactly what is in the substances they take.

"We’re working hard to keep Taunton a safe place and I’d urge the community to contact us with information about those responsible for illegal drug supply in our town."

Sgt Bishop said anyone with information can talk to the neighbourhood team or get in touch by clicking here or by calling 101.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Somerset County Gazette:

Canal Road, Taunton.

An eye witness who lives at Firepool Lock said: "It was just so sad to see lads in the prime of their youth looking like spaced out zombies at 9am, then needing medical and hospital treatment which will have meant that others who may have been more seriously ill could have had to wait for attention.

"What more could we do in Taunton to stop kids falling into this behaviour which is then a slippery slope to other problems later in life?

"How do you stop whatever the drugs were being available in the first place?”