PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Nine young people have been taken to hospital after apparently taking notorious party drug Meow Meow.
The seven men and two women were taken ill, requiring hospital treatment, in Liverpool city centre on Saturday night, police said.
The group had all been socialising around the Wood Street area.
Merseyside Police said inquiries are being made to establish where the drugs were bought.
Police confirmed the substance the group was taking is believed to have contained mephedrone - also known as Meow Meow or MCAT. Samples of the drug have been sent for forensic analysis.
All nine were treated and later released from hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Tracey Hayes said: "We are keen to trace anyone with any information about this incident, or have any information about people or premises supplying mephedrone in Liverpool which could have had potentially tragic consequences.
"We urge people to be on their guard and not to eat or drink substances that are not for human consumption as it could prove extremely harmful or even fatal."
Mephedrone first appeared on the UK drugs scene in 2009 and its popularity grew rapidly as it was sold as a "legal high". However, after a number of deaths were linked to its use, the Government banned the substance last year, making it a prohibited Class B drug.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.