Police have seized large quantities of laughing gas during weekend patrols in Bournemouth town centre.

Officers said they have been educating people on the laws of nitrous oxide after cannisters quantities were confiscated.

Several arrests were also made for outstanding suspects in relation to incidents they were wanted for during the patrol on Saturday.

READ MORE: 'We will contact parents': Police warning to school leavers underage drinking

A Bournemouth Police spokesperson said the response follows high visibility patrols along Bournemouth beach after concerns for antiisocial behaviour.

Nitrousoxide (NoS) is a colourless gas that can cause fits of laughter, hence the name laughing gas.

However, NoS can cause severe hallucinations and too much of it can cause unconsciousness or suffocation from a lack of oxygen.

Giving away or selling NoS is illegal and supply or production of the drug can result in a prison sentence.

It can be obtained legally for catering as aerosol whipped cream canisters and other cooking sprays.