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The region's ambulance service has reported a sharp rise in the number of 999 calls it is getting because of "zombie" patients who have taken Black Mamba.

East Midlands Ambulance Service even said one of its crews was assaulted TWICE in just one shift by Black Mamba users.

It said its crews struggled to treat the patients while in a “zombie state” because they refuse help and do not want to go to hospital.

Ambulance operations manager Wendy Hazard said the service was inundated with calls to incidents involving Black Mamba this weekend.

She said: “We’ve had previous cases reported of patients using synthetic drugs. However, this weekend, crews were reporting case after case. These drugs are dangerous and often contain harmful chemicals which can put lives at risk.”

Ms Hazard said Black Mamba can produce symptoms which are very similar to those which people in life-threatening conditions present.

She said: “When high on synthetics, symptoms can include unconsciousness and slurred speech, all of which mimic someone who is in a life-threatening condition."

Ms Hazard added: "Users are risking their own lives due to the harmful chemicals but are also at risk of endangering the lives of others by taking a crew away from someone who really needs them.”

East Midlands Ambulance Service said most calls relating to Black Mamba were from Derby and Nottingham this weekend.

One caller in Nottingham reported nine individuals “across several doorways in the city centre” with zombie-like symptoms – including breathing difficulties and an inability to speak.

It comes after Derby city centre businesses recently called for the scrapping of phone boxes - as they say are a haven for drug taking, including Black Mamba, and anti-social behaviour.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said anyone who has information regarding the illegal supply of psychoactive substances should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.