Concerns have been raised after small canisters of nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas – were found at a west Suffolk beauty spot.

The canisters were discovered at Friars Meadow in Sudbury after a litter pick, prompting calls on social media for the dangers of use to be highlighted.

Volunteer litter picker Gregory Bishop posted pictures and a short video to the Sudbury Suffolk Facebook page after making the discovery alongside empty alcohol containers.

Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness and affect judgement, creating a risk of accidents, and in large quantities it can also cause the user to pass out.

In some circumstances, it can lead to death.

Speaking on the video while filming the canisters, which were alongside balloons underneath the bridge at the meadow, Mr Bishop said: “These are the gas cylinders with nitrous oxide in.

“How long until somebody dies?”

Nitrous oxide is a gas that when inhaled can make people feel euphoric and relaxed.

Bradley Smith, community warden supervisor at Sudbury Town Council said there has been a rise in the amount of canisters being found.

“It’s on the up,” he said. “It’s the latest craze which seems to have taken off.

“If we come across them, then we just clean them up but there is a concern.

“Especially when you consider the dangers.

“If we can we work with our partners and it’s something to keep an eye on.”

There are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide, which include numbing pain during medical procedures.

But it is illegal to sell or import the drug for human consumption.

For more information on the effects and risks of nitrous oxide use, people can visit www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide, call 0300 123 6600 or text 82111.