POLICE fear a rogue batch of heroin could be on the streets after three drug users died in the past week.

Detectives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, say it is too early to confirm whether or not the deaths are linked, but are warning addicts to take precautions.

A 35-year-old woman died on February 16 and two 31-year-old men died earlier this week. Police suspect they died after taking drugs.

Their names have not yet been released.

Detective Inspector Kevin Ross, who is leading the investigation, said officers were trying to trace the source of the drugs.

He said: "I am very concerned that there may be drugs currently available on the street which may have caused these sudden and unexpected deaths.

"It is unusual to have three people die drugs-related deaths in the Harrogate area so close together.

"Clearly there is an inherent danger in taking illegal drugs, but it is too early to say whether these deaths are linked to a specific batch of controlled drugs.

"Obviously we have got to be concerned that it may be more than a coincidence."

Det Insp Ross urged drug users to seek professional help. He said: "We are just asking drug users to be aware of what has happened and to take all sensible precautions.

"Three families have been devastated by these deaths."

Simon Youle, manager of Harrogate Alcohol and Drugs Agency, said anyone with concerns about drugs could get advice by calling (01423) 525999 or the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 776600.

He said: "The advice that we are giving to clients is if you are going to be injecting drugs, do so with other people around you.

"Inject very small amounts so you can assess the quality of what you are dealing with."

Detective Superintendent Sue Cross, crime commander of North Yorkshire Police's western area, urged anyone with information to call straight away.

She said: "This could provide us with extremely valuable intelligence.

"Substance misuse affects all walks of society. Each of those who dies is someone's son, daughter, partner or friend, and I urge the whole community to help us in the fight against this dreadful affliction."

Anyone with information on drugs in the Harrogate area is asked to call police on (01423) 539334 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.