POLICE have issued a warning after 12 people were taken to hospital after taking the illegal drug mephedrone.

The warning came after a string of separate incidents across Gateshead over the weekend involving the Class B drug, also known as “bubble”.

Shortly before 7pm tonight (SUNDAY), three people fell ill in Firtree Road in the Whickham area of the town and were treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital for treatment.

Five teenagers were taken to hospital on Friday evening after falling ill in the MetroCentre area and another two, including an unconscious 15-year-old boy, were taken to hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning from an address in Low Fell.

Police said another two people were also taken to hospital over the weekend following an incident in Blaydon.

Six people have been arrested in connection with the investigation and bailed. Enquiries are on-going to establish where the drugs have come from.

Officers say it is not yet known whether all the cases are linked, but are warning anyone about the dangers of taking illegal drugs and urging anyone who may have taken a drug and feels unwell to seek immediate medical advice.

Chief Inspector Neil Robson, said: "We cannot stress the importance of listening to the dangers of taking drugs and would advise anyone who is thinking of doing so not to.

"The side effects can be incredibly harmful, if anyone has taken an illegal substance and becomes unwell they should seek medical advice immediately."

Anyone who needs emergency medical attention should call 999.