Black Mamba user collapsed in Worcester city centre

The ambulance service received reports of two unconscious men at The Cross, in Worcester, on Thursday, although both refused to be assessed by paramedics.

Police officers were also called to the scene and were told that the incident was possibly drug-related.

Bystanders said the pair were under the influence of the former legal high Black Mamba, also known as spice.

Chief Inspector Sean Kent, from South Worcestershire’s local policing team, said: "Our local safer neighbourhood teams are working hard to police the local areas. Any anti-social behaviour including the use of drugs on the street is addressed.

"To combat this behaviour, we issue written warnings to those persons engaged in this type of activity advising them that they will be issued with Community Protection Notices (CPN) if they fail to comply with the warning. Breach of a CPN is a criminal offence.

"For those convicted of breaching the CPN, we will apply for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) which will prohibit persons from engaging in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, and will exclude them from problematic areas within the city. A breach of a CBO carries a sentence of imprisonment for up to five years.

"As well as enforcing the law, we are also looking at other ways to address the issue of drugs and anti-social behaviour within our community and are adopting a partnership approach by working closely with our partners who all play a significant role in our efforts to reduce drug use.

"We want the local community to work with us by reporting any suspicious activity to 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

West Midlands Ambulance Service statistics showed a near continuous rise in the number of Black Mamba cases in the first seven months of this year.

A paramedic previously warned that the problem was growing in Worcester.

The ambulance service was called to The Cross at 6.05pm yesterday, with paramedics arriving at 6.09pm.