Sunderland shop closed by police over concerns of selling legal highs

The notice was issued earlier today at a shop in Fawcett Street in the city centre.

Concerns had been raised about anti-social behaviour caused by people using substances believed to have been sold at the shop. Police have taken action and issued a closure notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The store will now remain closed for 48 hours.

A notice placed in the shop window by Northumbria Police refers to it as The Hippydrome.

However, when the Echo contacted former Hippydrome owner Lee Perry, he said the store is no longer his and no longer trades under that name.

Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: “People think these so called legal highs are safe but they are far from it. They contain harmful substances that are not meant for human consumption and can have serious consequences and I would urge anyone who has taken them and feels unwell to seek immediate medical attention.

“Today we’ve taken action over concerns about anti-social behaviour caused by the use of these substances and utilised powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to issue a closure notice.

“The use of legal highs is far from harmless. They can cause symptoms ranging from reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, unconsciousness and seizures. These risks are increased if mixed with alcohol or other stimulants and in extreme cases can prove fatal.”

Anyone who needs advice on drugs should contact FRANK on 08700 77 6600 or visit www.talktofrank.com