Heroin users warned over 'harmful drugs' after sixth death

Police were called to an address on Hartington Road in Stockton at around 5.50pm yesterday evening, following the death of a man aged in his early 40s.

Three people were arrested at the scene in connection with the incident.

Two women aged 30 and 33 and a man aged 26 were arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and they remain in police custody this morning.

On February 5, a 35-year- old from Stockton was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees but died on February 11.

A second man from Stockton, also 35, was admitted on February 13 and a 27-year-old woman was admitted in the early hours of February 16.

Both passed away on February 17.

On March 3, a man and woman, both aged 37 and from the Stockton area, died.

Detective Inspector Jon Tapper of Cleveland Police said: “I would reiterate that, whilst we don’t advocate that anyone should buy any type of drugs, there are still

batches of particularly harmful heroin in Stockton which are being peddled by dealers.

“Lives are being put at risk by accepting this particularly dangerous heroin and, sadly, there has been a further death in the area.

"We are concerned and would urge drug users to take extra precautions.”

Police are working with support agencies to advise drug users of the consequences of using these products and to identify the supplier or suppliers of these drugs.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.