ONE man has died and another is in a critical condition after apparently taking illegal drugs.

The incidents have led police and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to issue a warning.

On Tuesday, March 1, police received a report of a man had been found dead inside an address in Blyth.

"At this stage we are still awaiting the results of tests but it is believed the man may have taken a number of drugs including heroin and valium," said a Northumbria Police spokesman.

"In a separate incident earlier this morning, (Wednesday, March 2) police received a report that a 24-year-old man was found collapsed in a street in Blyth.

"He has been taken to hospital where he is described as being in a critical condition. It is believed the man may have taken a quantity of drugs, again possibly including heroin and valium shortly before taking ill."

Enquiries are being carried out to establish exactly what has happened, and further tests will be carried out. A report will be prepared for the coroner to establish the cause of death for the 40-year-old man.

Police and Northumbria Healthcare are warning people about the dangers of taking any illegal drugs.

Detective Inspector Sharon Chatterton, of Northern Area Command, said: "Taking any illegal drugs or drugs that have not been prescribed to you is dangerous and potentially life threatening and I'd urge anyone who feels unwell after taking such drugs to seek medical treatment immediately."

Blyth Neighbourhood Insp Grant Dawson said: "Extra officers are in the area speaking to members of the community. If anyone has any concerns please speak to an officer from the neighbourhood team."

Doctor Mike Guy, Associate Medical Director at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is extremely serious, and potentially life threatening, to take illegal drugs or drugs which have not been prescribed to you and we would urge anyone who finds themselves in this situation or who discovers someone like this to seek medical help immediately."

  • The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information which could help police is asked to contact officers on 101.
  • Anyone who needs emergency medical attention should call 999. For further information visit www.frank.com or www.hiwecanhelp.co.uk.