AN URGENT warning has been issued about taking legal highs after several people collapsed having taken the drugs over the weekend.

At least five men fell ill in Rochdale after consuming 'Annihilation' or 'Cherry Bombs' — different forms of psychoactive substances.

Greater Manchester Police put out a warning about the dangers of swallowing or smoking these harmful stimulants.

The first victim remains in an induced coma in hospital, the second and third received medical help before leaving of their own accord, the fourth is in a serious condition in hospital while the fifth accepted medical treatment before heading off.

Symptoms include profuse sweating, racing heartbeat, extreme muscle tension, delirious ranting and very high body temperature and GMP advises anyone who notice someone showing signs of these symptoms to call 999.

Anyone with information about where this drug may have come from is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.