Three 18-year-olds and a 21-year-old man die after taking drugs in the northeast during lockdown as police issue urgent warning
Police are issuing an urgent drugs warning after three teenagers and a 21-year-old man died over the weekend during local lockdown in the North East.
Investigations have been launched after two women, both aged 18, and a 21-year-old man died in Newcastle, and an 18-year-old man died in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
Drugs are believed to have played a part in all four deaths and postmortems are due to take place.
Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison said: 'First and foremost, our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have sadly died.
An 18-year-old died at a Newcastle University halls of residence Saturday after being discovered unconscious. Pictured: Police at the scene
'Although our investigations are still at a very early stage and we continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, we are warning people against taking drugs.
'We would urge anybody thinking about taking drugs to please not take the risk. The consequences could cost you your life.
'If anyone has any information about who has supplied the drugs in question then we would also encourage them to contact us at the earliest opportunity.'
Suspected drug related deaths that took place in Newcastle and Tyne and wear this weekend
This weekend an 18-year-old man was arrested after a female student, 18, died in a Newcastle University halls of residence.
Paramedics rushed to Richardson Road in Newcastle - where the Park View student village halls are located - early on Saturday morning.
The teenager was discovered unconscious and, although medics battled to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation was launched into her death and police have now confirmed that an 18-year-old man has been arrested.
Paramedics rushed to Richardson Road in Newcastle - where the Park View student village halls are located - early on Saturday morning
A Newcastle University spokesperson said: 'We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of one of our students and our welfare teams are offering support to those affected.
'This is not Covid-related and as this is an active police investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.'
On Sunday morning a 21-year-old man was taken ill at an address on Melbourne Street, Newcastle, and later died in hospital.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: 'At 8.13am today police were informed by the ambulance service that a man had taken ill at an address in Melbourne Street in Newcastle.
'Emergency services attended but sadly the man – aged 21 – was later pronounced dead at hospital.
'Enquiries into the circumstances around his death are ongoing. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers at this time.
'The investigation is at an early stage but this is not believed to be Covid-19 related death.'
Anyone who has information about the drugs should still contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.