A SIXTH death has been linked to a bad batch of heroin being distributed on Teesside with three arrests being made in connection to the drug’s production.

A man in his early forties is the latest victim believed to have taken the low-grade class A drug after Cleveland Police were called to Hartington Road, Stockton, at around 5.50pm on Wednesday evening.

Two men, aged 30 and 33, and another man, aged 26, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of administering a noxious substance to the drug.

All three men remain in police custody today.

A series of deaths In Stockton throughout February and March have been linked to the drug with three men and two women thought to have died after using the “particularly dangerous” supply.

Cleveland Police’s Detective Inspector Jon Tapper said: “I would reiterate that, whilst we don’t advocate that anyone should buy any type of drugs, there are still batches of particularly harmful heroin in Stockton which are being peddled by dealers.

“Lives are being put at risk by accepting this particularly dangerous heroin and, sadly, there has been a further death in the area.

“We are concerned and would urge drug users to take extra precautions.”

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman has confirmed that the force is working with support agencies to identify the supplier or suppliers of the batch.

  • Anyone with information can contact Cleveland Police by calling non-emergency number 101.