Teens copied TV, drank ethanol

ALDRIDGE, England, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Authorities in Britain said six teenagers treated for drinking ethanol were apparently inspired by a storyline on a TV drama.

Police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service said five girls and a boy, ages 14-15, were taken from their school in Aldridge, England, to Walsall Manor Hospital after they were found to have consumed pure alcohol, Sky News reported Friday.

"Medics were pre-alerted to the arrival of the six pupils, who were all in a stable condition," an ambulance service spokeswoman said. She said none of the youngsters are believed to have suffered long-term health effects as a result of the ethanol.

Authorities said the students were apparently inspired by Wednesday's episode of "Waterloo Road," a BBC1 drama that featured a girl drinking ethanol sold to her by fellow students at a fictional school.