Police and Public Health statements following incidents in the city 04/10/20

Police Statement

Police are issuing an urgent drugs warning following the tragic deaths of four young people over the weekend.

Investigations have been launched after two women, both aged 18, and a 21-year-old man died in Newcastle. An 18-year-old man has also died in Washington.

Drugs are suspected to have been a factor in these deaths.

Specialist officers are supporting the families of those involved. Post-mortems are due to take place but officers want to warn the public about the danger of taking drugs.

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.

“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."

Anyone who has information about the drugs should still contact Northumbria Police on 101, quoting references 181 03/10/20, 660 03/10/20, 222/227 04/10/20, 483 04/10/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has taken these drugs and needs emergency medical attention should always call 999.

Statement from Public Health, Newcastle City Council

We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of three young people in the city and one in Washington this weekend (Oct 3/4) and send condolences to their families and friends.

We are working alongside Northumbria Police and the universities to understand exactly what has happened and whether drugs have been involved in these cases.

The welfare and wellbeing of students impacted by these tragic events will be all our priority.

There is no ‘safe’ recreational drug use – batches of drugs can vary in purity and strength, and mixing drugs with alcohol is a potentially lethal cocktail and further increases risk.

If anyone is impacted by drugs or alcohol, including by a loved one’s use, there are services in Newcastle that can help you: Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) 0191 206 1117 or Newcastle PROPs family support service 0191 226 3440

Further information can be accessed on this link: https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/drugs-and-alcohol

For more information about drugs, their effects and legal status: www.talktofrank.com