A Devon dad has issued a stark warning about the dangers of "zombie drug" Spice, after his son turned into a "monster" from using it in a vape. The concerned father, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his 14-year-old son's identity, said: "In a minute a child is going to die."

The dad noticed the harmful effects of unregulated vape liquids when his son became addicted. He said school kids in Plymouth are filling their vapes with Spice, a synthetic drug that imitates the effects of cannabis.

Hesaid youngsters are getting hold of the so-called "zombie drug" through social media, and then being lured into selling the dangerous substances. Speaking to PlymouthLive, he shared that he knows of three school-going teenagers who are dealing the drug around Plymouth.

"My own child is hooked on it. He's 14. I caught two dealers last night and they have been handed to the police."

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He said another young person was let off because he was shocked when he realised what he had done. The dad said: "I had the 14-year-old who supplied my son. He was full of remorse so I did not run him to the police. He's a child and I don't want to ruin his life. I gave him a chance to sort his life out."

It comes after the headteacher at a Devon school wrote to parents warning them about the dangers of vaping after online rumours that a child had died.

Tor Bridge High headteacher Tracy Stephenson told PlymouthLive police and social care professionals had confirmed no child had died after vaping in Plymouth. But she said it highlighted increasing concerns around children vaping and said she is working with other schools on a coordinated approach.

First appearing in 2008, the drug known as Spice is a blend of man-made substances intended to imitate the effects of cannabis, but it can be much more damaging. Consuming Spice can lead to symptoms like psychosis, loss of movement, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures.

This year, five teenagers in London were rushed to hospital after smoking vapes filled with Spice. PlymouthLive was also told youngsters in Plymouth have also been taken to hospital due to this substance and are awaiting confirmation of this.

The man who contacted PlymouthLive after putting out a warning on social media, said the Spice is often cut with other dangerous substances. He said: "It can contain chemicals, petrol, pesticides, nail varnish remover, and just a little bit of cannabis oil. You don't know what it is doing to the brain."

"My son was a lovely child, but now he's like an aggressive monster. Kids on this stuff are not sleeping or eating and are really aggressive, they have no respect."

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He said he began his campaign three weeks ago and said the problem was "rife" in Plymouth. He said: "The message has to get out to children and parents."

Have you been affected by vaping or using an unregulated liquid in a vape? If so, please contact PlymouthLive in confidence by emailing william.telford@reachplc.com