Vape warning after students at two schools in same city were hospitalized after using e-cigarettes

School principals have issued a warning to parents after students at two schools in the same historic country town had to be hospitalized after vaping and experienced symptoms including palpitations, loss of consciousness and seizures.

Principals said students experienced rapid heart rates, confusion and, in one case, drowsiness and loss of consciousness after using e-cigarettes.

All of the students involved are believed to have used e-cigarettes with questionable contents, the schools added.

Such is the concern that the principals at Mountbatten School and Romsey School in Romsey, Hampshire have issued a desperate appeal to parents amid growing concerns about e-cigarette use by young children.

Just last month, a brand new vape shop opened in Romsey, bringing the city’s population of 20,000 to three.

Principals said students at both schools experienced rapid heartbeat, confusion and, in one case, drowsiness and loss of consciousness after using e-cigarettes

The schools said: “There is a suspicion that the contents of these e-cigarettes were not what they appeared to be and this is currently being investigated.”

Together, the academy schools – both rated as good by Ofsted – educate 2,500 students aged between 11 and 16.

The email to parents – dated May 26 – was signed by school principals Andrew Portas and Annie Eagle.

It states: “Our town’s two secondary schools have been working closely with our partner agencies over the past few weeks to investigate current challenges related to the safety of young people in the locality of Romsey.”

“So we are writing to update you on the real issues that are currently going on in our local community.”

One of those problems, teachers warn, is vaping.

“In the last two weeks, there have been a small number of cases where students from both of our communities have required hospital treatment after using e-cigarettes,” the email said.

“There is a suspicion that the contents of these e-cigarettes were not what they appeared to be and this is currently being investigated.”

“Students affected showed accelerated heart rates well above normal, confusion, and in one case, loss of consciousness.”

The email also warns of incidents of “substantial” antisocial behavior in the area involving groups of up to 50 youngsters and urges parents not to let their children “hang around without purpose”.

“Parents and carers are of course the key players in protecting their children,” the email concludes.

The letter was sent to all parents of the children at Mountbatten and Romsey Schools

“We continue to work to provide the young people of Romsey with sufficient freedoms to grow into responsible citizens while maintaining an appropriate level of parental control and security.”

“Of course, this balance is a challenge and that’s why we have to work together.”

Police have observed a number of incidents involving young people in Romsey, prompting an increase in patrols.

A statement from Test Valley Local Police said: “We are acutely aware of the ongoing problem of anti-social behavior and public unrest in and around Romsey.”

“We want to reassure you all that we are doing everything we can to address this issue.”

It continued: “We know that some local residents may not feel the same enthusiasm as we do about how we are tackling this issue. However, we just want you to know that we are listening and are doing whatever we can to make Romsey’s streets safer.” .’

Founded in 1969 by Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, Lord Mountbatten, Mountbatten School is close to the historic Broadlands estate.

Former students include television gardener Charlie Dimmock and Downton Abbey actress Laura Carmichael.

Rishi Sunak has indicated he will ban predatory marketing tactics blamed for rising e-cigarette use among British children

Alumni of the nearby Romsey School include Conservative MP Caroline Noakes.

Concerns about e-cigarette use among young people are growing. There are calls for the government to step in and ban popular fruit flavors.

Rishi Sunak has indicated it will ban predatory marketing tactics blamed for increasing e-cigarette usage rates among the children of Great Britain.

The Prime Minister claimed that marketing e-cigarettes to youngsters through cartoon characters, fruity flavors and bright colors was “completely unacceptable”.

Ministers have also pledged to fill a loophole allowing retailers to give free e-cigarette samples to children in England. The leaders of the e-cigarette industry themselves said that “no self-respecting company should ever have thought of exploiting it”.

The threat of tougher measures comes just days after the Prime Minister expressed concern that his own daughters may be “tempted” by e-cigarettes.

Shocking data earlier this month showed that the number of children trying vaping had risen by 50 per cent in a year, leading experts to warn that the UK is “sleepwalking into an existential crisis for children”.

Hampshire Police have been contacted for comment.