Pupil, 7, in methadone collapse

[Abrad]

An investigation has begun after a boy collapsed at primary school suffering from the effects of the drug methadone.

The pupil, aged seven, took ill in class at Merkinch Primary on Friday and was taken to Raigmore Hospital.

Highland Council said it was unclear how the child obtained the drug, but added there was no suggestion methadone was available in the boy's home.

The spokesman said the pupil was making a good recovery and an investigation was under way.

Hospital blood tests confirmed the boy had methadone in his system.

The pupil was discharged from hospital on Tuesday.

The spokesman said: "The pupil seemed to be drowsy in the class and the teacher went up to him and next thing he collapsed.

"She got the ambulance to come and staff had no idea what was up with him but he clearly wasn't well. We have had confirmation that he had methadone in his system.

"The local education and social work authorities are working with their police and health colleagues to find out how this happened."

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "A joint police and social work investigation is now under way to establish how this child came to ingest methadone."