Drugs arrest over rugby tour deaths in Sri Lanka

A man has been arrested in Sri Lanka on suspicion of selling drugs to two County Durham amateur rugby players who died while on a club tour.

Thomas Howard, 25, and Thomas Baty, 26, died after visiting a nightclub in Colombo in May. They complained of breathing difficulties once back at their hotel and died later in hospital.

Police investigating reports that they may have taken heroin arrested a 38-year-old man from Wellawatta on suspicion of selling the drug.

The men had been touring the country with Durham-based Clems Pirates RFC and had played a game against Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club in Colombo.