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Police issue urgent drugs warning after four young people die over weekend

An urgent drugs warning has been issued by police after the deaths of four young people in the North East over the weekend.

Drugs were suspected to have contributed to the deaths of two 18-year-old women and a 21-year-old man in Newcastle, as well as an 18-year-old man in Washington, Northumbria Police said.

Post-mortems are due to take place, but the force wants to warn the public about the dangers 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."

He urged people to "please not take the risk", adding: "The consequences could cost you your life."

Anyone with information about who supplied the drugs to those who died has been asked to contact the police.

Mr Hutchison added that anyone who has taken these drugs and needs emergency medical care should always call 999.

On Saturday, an 18-year-old female student was found dead at Newcastle University's halls of residence.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death, which is not thought to be coronavirus-related.

It is not clear if this is related to the suspected drug deaths.