Three arrests over pill death

THREE people have been charged with drug offences after the death of a teenage girl who is thought to have taken an ecstasy-type pill at a party.

Police Scotland said three women had been arrested after 16-year-old Shellie Callaghan died at a house party in Newtongrange, Midlothian, at the weekend.

A spokesman said: ‘Three people have been charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act following the death of a teenager in Midlothian at the weekend.

‘A 42-year-old woman and two other females, aged 16 and 17, were arrested after properties were searched in Newtongrange, Gorebridge and easthouses today.’

Miss Callaghan – who a neighbour described as a ‘lovely wee lassie’ – was taken to edinburgh Royal Infirmary early on Saturday after it was claimed she had taken pills called ‘red Bugatti Veyron’ or ‘purple ninja turtles’. However, she died a short while later.

Friends and relatives gathered at Newtongrange Park on Sunday evening to light lanterns in the teenager’s memory.

Police said they were trying to establish the exact circumstances surrounding her death. Community Inspector Michelle Ritchie said: ‘Whether she had access to ecstasy-type tablets is a line of inquiry we are following and we urge anyone who has taken such tablets to seek medical attention.

‘Today officers executed warrants across Midlothian and seized drugs and associated paraphernalia.

‘Drug dealing, misuse and the criminality and anti-social behaviour that is associated with them are priorities for police in the Lothians and Scottish Borders.

‘Information from the community is vital to enable us to build a profile of issues and respond. I appeal to anyone with such information to contact police or Crimestoppers so we can take action.’

All three women are expected to appear before edinburgh Sheriff Court today.