A 20-YEAR-OLD man has died after he is believed to have taken a homemade ecstasy tablet.

Police are warning of the dangers of taking illegal drugs after the incident in South Shields.

"Police were called at 2.20pm on Sunday (April 6) by the ambulance service after a man had been taken to South Tyneside Hospital, he subsequently died," a spokesman for Northumbria Police said.

"The tablet is a pale green colour. Anyone who believes they have taken a tablet from the homemade batch is urged to seek medical assistance immediately."

Detective Inspector Paul Woods said: "These tablets are potentially very dangerous and anyone thinking of taking any drug, particularly one similar to this, should not. If anyone thinks they have taken this drug they should seek immediate medical attention."

South Tyneside coroner Mr Carney has also expressed his concerns for members of the public taking any similar tablets.

Anyone who needs emergency medical attention should call 999. For further information visit www.frank.com