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Cylinders of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas - were stolen from a hospital.

The anaesthetic gas is used for pain relief in dentistry and childbirth but can also create a euphoric feeling if inhaled recreationally.

A number of 4ft cylinders were taken from Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, in the early hours of Sunday.

South Wales Police warned people against buying them, saying they could be dangerous.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board, which runs the hospital, said thieves cut chains from gates and entered the estates department where the cylinders were stored.

"Nitrous oxide can be extremely dangerous to the public," a spokesman added.

Empty silver canisters of the gas have become a common sight outside nightclubs, with it most commonly inhaled from balloons.

Legislation introduced in 2016 made it illegal to sell the gas, also known as "noz", for recreational purposes.

But its supply is difficult to control because it has legal uses, such as to produce whipped cream in the catering industry, and in medicine as an anaesthetic.

Police believe a vehicle was used to take the cylinders from Prince Charles Hospital.

Nitrous oxide

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