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Three deaths in the same northeastern city are potentially linked to the same batch of suspected dangerous drugs, police have warned.
Northumbria Police said two men and a woman were found dead after “fatal medical episodes” in South Shields, South Tyneside.
Police said that while the exact circumstances remain “unexplained”, detectives are exploring the possibility that all three cases could be linked to the same batch of drugs.
The relatives of a man in his thirties, a man in his forties and a woman in her thirties were informed after the three deaths were confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
Northumbria Police did not say what type of drugs were involved, but confirmed that all three deaths occurred in the same town.
“While the circumstances surrounding these three deaths remain unexplained, our absolute priority as a force is to keep people safe from harm,” said Detective Inspector Emma Martin, of Northumbria Police.
“Although not confirmed at this stage, we are exploring the possibility that all three deaths are drug-related and possibly the same batch that led to fatal medical episodes.
“We would never recommend that anyone take illegal drugs. However, it is important that this warning message is shared widely, given that all three deaths occurred in the same city and in similar circumstances.
“If you are a drug user or know someone who is struggling with addiction, please heed this message as we believe this particular batch could have fatal consequences.”
Northumbria Police have asked anyone with information to contact the force.
