POLICE are appealing for help after thieves took canisters of nitrous oxide from a hospital.

The alert, following the theft from Shotley Bridge Hospital, in Durham, was raised on Sunday (July 12) evening.

Nitrous oxide - more commonly known as laughing gas - is inhaled and has been implicated in some deaths among young people.

It is not illegal to possess and inhale the substance, however it is illegal to supply it to anyone under the age of 18.

Anyone who has information about the theft should contact Durham police on the non-emergency 101 number and ask for PC 2699 Archbold.