AN appeal for mobile phone footage taken on the night of a 15-year-old girl's death has been launched by police.

Police said they were now appealing for witnesses who could have mobile phone footage from the Applegarth car park. near Northallerton on the evening of Saturday, May 11. 

Leah Heyes collapsed in the car park and was rushed to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where she later died. 

It is believed that Leah had taken MDMA, also known as ecstasy prior to her collapse.

Investigating, detective inspector Eamonn Clarke said: “We have had a good response to our recent appeal for information but we know there are still people out there who have yet to come forward.

“Enquiries also reveal that there may be mobile phone video footage of the events of that tragic evening. This footage will be extremely helpful to our investigation and we are appealing to anyone who has footage on their phone, has been shown footage or knows of anyone who has such footage, to come forward."

It's thought there were around 20 people in the car park area at the time of the incident.

Det supt Clarke said: “We also reiterate our appeal to anyone who was in the Applegarth car park or park on Saturday night to please contact us. A young girl with her whole life ahead of her and everything to look forward to has died. A family has been devastated and a community left in shock. It is vital that people come forward and help us find the answers for Leah’s family and friends."

Two people, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old have since been arrested in connection with Leah's death although both have been released pending further investigation.

In his warning, Det supt Clarke said that drug-taking had appeared to be 'the norm' and had become socially-acceptable in his continued safety message to young teens.

He said: "Taking drugs appears to have become ‘the norm’ and more socially acceptable, but the fact is, it can have utterly tragic consequnces and it needs to stop. This devastating case must be the catlyst for people in the community to stand up and help us put a stop put a stop to drug dealing."

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident reference number 12190085105.