A POLICE boss has welcomed the news that a former legal high, which has had a devastating effect on the city, could become a Class A drug.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has called for Spice to be upgraded to the highest class.

The Worcester News has previously published pictures of Spice users in a semi-comatose state in the city centre.

Mr Campion said: “I’ve seen the damage that Spice has done to parts of the community in Worcester.

"I’ve heard from residents, businesses and partners who’ve been clear about the impact this drug has had and the need to tackle it.

"I’ve listened to that feedback and made sure voices from Worcester have been heard in government, who also clearly recognise the importance of this issue.

“I believe reclassifying synthetic cannabinoids is an important step, but if it happens, that alone would not fix the problem.

"These substances are doing significant damage to the individuals taking them, as well as wider communities nationwide.

"Reclassification would give more powerful tools to our police and criminal justice system, but I firmly believe that effectively tackling drugs needs a holistic approach with support from a wide range of local and national partners.”

Police minister Nick Hurd pledged to launch a review into the classification of Spice, also known as Black Mamba, in the House of Commons on November 6.

He is asking the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to assess whether Spice, a Class B synthetic cannabinoid that is usually smoked, needs to be in a different class.

The minister said this was not a 'silver bullet' solution but suggested it could act as a deterrent.

West Midlands Ambulance Service experienced a surge in Black Mamba cases in the first seven months of 2018.

Worcester paramedic Christine Gill previously said the situation with Spice was becoming worse in the city.

Ms Gill welcomed the news that the substance, which was banned in 2016, could become a Class A drug.