THE father of York ecstasy victim Thomas Staniforth was outraged today by a new report claiming that the drug may not be dangerous.

Three psychologists, Dr Jon Cole, Harry Sumnall and Professor Charles Grob, strongly criticised animal and human studies which say the drug causes long-term brain damage and mental problems.

They pointed out that many psychological problems started in adolescence anyway, that ecstasy users invariably took other drugs as well, and some of the symptoms reported mirrored those caused by staying awake all night and dancing.

But other scientists insisted the harmful effects of ecstasy were undeniable.

Gordon Staniforth, whose son - a 20-year-old footballer with Sheffield Wednesday - died after taking Ecstasy on a night out in York last year, branded the report "absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible."

He asked: "How many deaths do you need to say that something is dangerous?"

Mr Staniforth, a former York City player, feared that the confusion created by such a report might tempt some young people to risk taking the drug, believing that it might not be dangerous after all.

"The kids absolutely love the confusion. They will discuss it while out at the pub or in the nightclub, and say there's no proof it is dangerous.

"The wrong messages are coming out over drugs, for example over their reclassification."

Mr Staniforth, who plans to speak to teenagers at two schools in the York and Tadcaster area this autumn about the terrible impact of Thomas' death on his family and friends, said the new report would make it that bit harder to get across his message.

Updated: 11:23 Monday, September 02, 2002