POLICE have warned that a particularly dangerous batch of heroin may be in circulation following the deaths of two people this week.

On Tuesday morning a 40-year-old man was found dead at a property in Ushaw Moor, while a 31-year-old man was found dead at a house in Bearpark on Saturday morning.

Although police are unable to confirm at this stage whether the incidents are linked, officers are warning that a particularly dangerous batch of heroin may be in circulation.

Officers are urging users not to risk their life by taking illicit substances and would urge people to seek medical attention should they think it is necessary.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

Anyone with any information that could help our enquiries should contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 31 of January 12.