HAZARDOUS gas has been stolen from an NHS clinic and police are warning people not to take risks by using it recreationally.

Burglars took seven cylinders of pure nitrous oxide from Clifton Park NHS Treatment Centre in York overnight between Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31.

The cylinders, which are all blue, are either three feet or five feet in length. They all have white collar tags, with the manufacturer’s name BOC and details of the contents. The tags also have important safety advice written on them.

PC Nick Garbutt said: “Although nitrous oxide is sometimes used recreationally, in this pure form it is hazardous to health and could even prove fatal - so I urge people not to take any risks.

“Nitrous oxide can also be used to enhance the performance of specially modified cars. If you are involved in this hobby and can help to identify the people responsible for this theft, I urge you to contact the police immediately.”

PC Garbutt added: “If you are offered of these cylinders for sale, please contact the police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information contact police on 101, select option two and ask for Nick Garbutt, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111, quoting reference number 12130225595.