Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested after more than 1,800 canisters of laughing gas were seized by police.

Aged 19 and 17, they were arrested in Plough Lane, Swalecliffe, just after 10pm on Friday.

They were said to have been acting suspiciously in two cars, with one holding a number of boxes of nitrous oxide.

Both teenagers and the vehicles were searched and officers seized 1,824 canisters of the drug, a small amount of cash, mobile phones and balloons from one of the cars.

Detective Constable Allison Bridges said: "People misusing nitrous oxide should be aware that because it deprives the body of oxygen, it can be fatal when taken in excess. This risk is likely to be greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space or if a substantial amount is rapidly used.

"It can cause the user to lose awareness, become unconscious and collapse. It can cause heart attacks as well as long-term health problems. The consumption of alcohol with nitrous oxide further increases dangers to the user."

The teenagers, both from Herne Bay, were arrested on suspicion of supplying or offering to supply psychoactive substances.

They have been released under investigation.

The police have urged members of the public with concerns about the use of nitrous oxide to speak to their local Police Community Support Officer or call 101.