Police arrest 10 people after four drug- related deaths

POLICE INVESTIGATING the drugs- related deaths over the weekend of four young people – three of them students – have made 10 arrests.

Two women, both 18, from Newcastle University, who were living in Richardson Road student accommodation, died after taking ketamine, Northumbria Police said.

An 18- year- old man, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, who was not a student, and a 21- yearold Northumbria University undergraduate in Newcastle also died after taking MDMA, the force said.

Northumbria Police said a large- scale investigation is under way, including searching student accommodation with drugs dogs.

The first report was made shortly after 6am on Saturday when an 18- year- old woman was found unresponsive at Richardson Road.

She was believed to have taken ketamine and was pronounced dead at the scene.

An 18- year- old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class B drug was bailed. The other woman was found dead in the same building at around 1.10pm on Sunday, the force said.

Police said an 18- year- old was arrested in connection with supplying a Class B drug.

Between those deaths, officers were called to an address on the Coach Road Estate in Washington, where an 18- year- old fell ill and later died.

Seven people were arrested. On Sunday, at 8.13am, the force was told that a 21- year- old Northumbria University student had fallen ill at a property in Melbourne Street, Newcastle, after he was thought to have taken MDMA. He died a short time later.

A 20- year- old man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs has since been released on police bail.

Chief Inspector Steve Wykes said: “Although our investigations are at an early stage and we continue to establish the circumstances around these tragedies, we want to reiterate our warning to people against taking drugs for recreational use. The consequences could cost you your life.”