AN appeal has been launched to help find cylinders containing pain-killing gas which were stolen from an ambulance station.

Several cylinders of the drug Entonox were taken from a store at Stowmarket ambulance station on Monday.

Ambulance chiefs are now urging people to keep an eye out for the drugs which have serious side-effects if used incorrectly.

Dr Pam Crispin, East of England Ambulance Service medical director, said: “Entonox consists of a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

“Although it used to be known as ‘laughing gas’ it is actually a pain-killing anaesthetic gas.

“It has a variety of possible side-effects if used incorrectly, including feeling sick and a condition called tension pneumothorax, which can be very serious.

“It is very safe if used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional, such as a paramedic, midwife or anaesthetist, who will be monitoring the user carefully to make sure there are no complications.”

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson added: “If anyone is aware of the cylinders’ whereabouts, please contact your local police station as soon as possible.”