DRUG users are being warned about using low grade supplies of heroin being sold in the Cleveland Police force area after three people have died.

The first man – a 35-year-old from Stockton was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees on Sunday, February 5 but died on Saturday 11. A second man from Stockton, also 35, was admitted on Monday 13 and a 27-year-old woman was admitted in the early hours of Thursday. They both died this morning.

Detective Inspector Jon Tapper of Cleveland Police is warning drug users that they are putting their lives at a greater risk by accepting low quality heroin.

He said, ”Obviously we don’t advocate anyone should buy any type of drugs - but we are aware there are batches of particularly harmful heroin on the streets which are being peddled by dealers as a higher standard than they are and they are putting people’s lives at risk.”

Police are working with partner support agencies to advise drug users and to identify the supplier or suppliers of these drugs.