‘Dirty’ pill claim after girl dies following exams party

A TEENAGE girl died and a boy was left critically ill after taking “dirty pills” as they celebrated the end of exams, it was claimed yesterday.

Police and ambulance were called to a street next to a disused viaduct in Tavistock, Devon, at about 4.15pm on Saturday.

They airlifted the 15-year-old girl to hospital in Plymouth, where she was pronounced dead.

The 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He is now recovering there.

Police said the girl’s next of kin had been informed and their officers were supporting her family.

It is believed that both teenagers had suffered adverse reactions to a substance they had taken.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “People are leaving flowers near the viaduct.

“It’s had a bad impact on the local community because young children are involved.

“They were with a group of kids celebrating the end of GCSE exams and the poor girl had barely tasted the pill by the time it had a nasty effect.

“The teenagers had taken dirty pills – it’s very sad.”

Insp Pete Turner said: “We are at the very early stages of the investigation and inquiries are ongoing as to how the substance was obtained.

“Initial enquiries show that this is an isolated incident involving these two young people.

“We would however urge all parents and carers to speak to their children and young people about the risks of taking unknown substances.”