POLICE are issuing a warning about the dangers of taking illegal drugs after three people died in 24 hours.

The cause of their deaths is not yet known and it is not known if the deaths are linked, but it is believed all three had taken illegal drugs.

Those who died were all from the South Tyneside area and were two women, one aged 27 one aged 25 and a man aged 41.

Detective Inspector Sean McGuigan said: “The dangers of taking drugs are well known and we want to reiterate this and warn people not to take illegal drugs, or any drugs that have not been prescribed to them.

"If anyone has taken an illegal substance and becomes unwell they should seek medical advice immediately.”