THE family of a 16-year-old who died after taking drugs have urged parents in the town to be vigilant against a dangerous new trend.

Jake Lomas died of brain stem death in April, after a period of experimental drug and alcohol use of which his parents were unaware.

A ‘cheeky, loving and outgoing’ boy, Jake had begun to drink alcohol and smoke cannabis, as well as experimenting with prescription medication.

His mum, Debbie, said: “Jake’s passing was a tragic accident. This could happen to any young adult.

“He was experimenting with prescription medication to see the effects as shown by many music artists and videos on YouTube. Many young adults have started to follow this trend and are making their own concoctions of over-the-counter and prescription medication.

“We have put a bench on The Moor in Knutsford in memory of Jake as it was one of his favourite places and to highlight awareness of the effects as this is a new trend. A lot of parents like ourselves were not aware of it.

“We also raised money for Hope UK, a charity which raises drug awareness to young adults.

“We will forever miss Jake, he was a loving son, brother, grandson and friend, who will always be in our hearts and memories.

“We want to highlight what happened to Jake and that it could happen to any teenager.”

The bench on The Moor was vandalised shortly after being installed, but has since been restored.

Jake had choked on his vomit in his sleep while staying at a friend’s house. His heart, liver and lungs were donated after his death.

He had attended Knutsford Academy and latterly Wilmslow High School, with a view to starting a hospitality and events course at Macclesfield College this month.

An animal-lover and keen baker, Jake was also interested in learning the guitar and was ‘often caught singing’.

Delivering a verdict of accidental death, an inquest in Macclesfield last week heard that Jake had experimented with drugs including Xanax, diazepam, tramadol and codeine.

Knutsford‘s policing team is continuing its crackdown on drugs.

A policing priority for September reads: “We are actively targeting those involved in the supply and use of illegal drugs within the Knutsford area.

“Residents have expressed concerns over the supply of controlled drugs within the town and surrounding area.

“We will actively conduct patrols in uniform and plain clothes in order to identify those responsible and disrupt activities.”

Last weekend, officers stopped and searched three males in Racefield Road, with one found to be in possession of drugs. All three admitted to an intention to use the drugs, and an interview arranged.