EMERGENCY services were called to Pill last night after a number of people were taken ill.

Police officers and paramedics were busy around 9pm yesterday evening, tending to people who had collapsed in the vicinity of Alexandra Road and Commercial Road, believed to be a result of substance abuse.

There were reports of at least two police cars and two ambulances at the scene.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said: “On the evening of Thursday, May 16, we were contacted by the Welsh Ambulance Service following a number of instances in which people were taken unwell after the suspected use of unknown substances.

“We are currently investigating the circumstances of three cases in the Pill area of Newport.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the cause. Those involved were treated by paramedics but have since recovered.”

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There has been speculation on social media that this may have been caused by ‘Spice’ – sometimes referred to as “synthetic cannabis” – which is a mix of herbs and mind-altering chemicals made in a laboratory, but this has not been confirmed.

Welsh Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

If you are affected by drug or alcohol misuse you can get in touch with Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS). Its Newport head office phone number is 01633 811950, or visit its website gdas.wales