‘Dodgy medicine batch’ kills three in South Shields

Police have arrested two people following the deaths of three people in one afternoon who potentially ingested drugs from a dangerous batch.

Northumbria Police has launched an investigation after two men, one in his 30s and one in his 40s, and a woman in her 30s were all confirmed dead in the South Shields area of South Tyneside today.

The force has since arrested a man in his 30s, and a woman in her 20s, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

It has also issued an urgent warning to the public about the potentially fatal drugs batch amid fears there could be further victims. 

Officers have informed the next of kin of all three people, while the circumstance around their deaths remain ‘unexplained’. 

Northumbria Police have issued an urgent warning after the deaths of three people in one afternoon from potentially taking drugs from a dangerous batch (Stock image)

Detective Inspector Emma Martin, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘We understand the widespread concerns that will have spread across our Force area as a result of today’s tragic news.

‘Our enquiries remain at a very early stage, and we would ask the public to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could prove harmful to our investigation.

‘We would urge anyone with information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to contact us.’

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘While the circumstances surrounding these three deaths remain unexplained, our over-arching priority as a Force is to protect people from harm.

‘We would never advocate anyone taking illegal drugs. It is, however, important that we ensure this warning message is spread far and wide, given all three deaths occurred in the same town – and in similar circumstances.

‘If you are a drug user, or know anybody struggling with addiction, please be mindful of this message as we suspect this particular batch could have fatal consequences.’

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on its website or by completing a crime update form, quoting reference: NP-20240716-0556.