Smoking could play a direct role in the development of schizophrenia and needs to be investigated, researchers say.

The team at King’s College London say smokers are more likely to develop the disorder and at a younger age.

Published in the Lancet Psychiatry, their analysis of 61 separate studies suggests nicotine in cigarette smoke may be altering the brain.

Experts said it was a “pretty strong case” but needed more research. Read more in Starrfmonline.