POLICE fear a deadly batch of ecstasy pills may be circulating in Darlington after the death of a teenage girl.

Nicole Tomlinson, 19, from Darlington, died on Tuesday morning 75 minutes after being taken to hospital.

Although police have yet to establish a cause of death, detectives confirmed they were looking into whether ecstasy was involved and if her death was connected to a rogue batch of the drug.

Officers are waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination later this week which will reveal how the teenager died.

Police last night urged anyone with information about Monday evening that could be related to Miss Tomlinson’s death to contact them.

Detective Inspector Phil Curtis, of Darlington CID, said: “Although it’s still not clear how Nicole died, we are considering the possibility that ecstasy may have been involved.

“We are speaking to a number of people about the events of Monday night and want others who may be able to assist our inquiries to come forward.

“Our priority is to establish how Nicole died and whether there is the possibility that her death is linked to a particular batch of drugs circulating in Darlington. Please contact police if you can help our inquiries in any way.”

Miss Tomlinson was taken to hospital from a house in Headlam Road, in the Eastbourne area of town, after a 999 call at 7.15am on Tuesday.

She was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead at about 8.30am.

Bill Dixon, who is chairman of Darlington Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Darlington Borough Council leader, said: “We have put out an alert to drugs workers about the possibility there may be a rogue batch circulating.

“The standard advice is be very, very careful of ecstasy tablets – the only way to be safe is not to use them at all. These drugs are not only illegal, they are also potentially extremely dangerous.

“Also, if anyone knows anything about what may have happened, I would urge them to get in touch with the police or a drugs worker. You do not have to give your name.”

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The death of any young person is a real tragedy.

“If Nicole’s death is found to be drug-related, it is doubly tragic and extremely worrying.

“I very much hope that anyone with any information that may help to save the lives of other young people will come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 101 and ask for Darlington CID, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Information can also be shared anonymously with Darlington Drugs and Alcohol Action Team.