THREE people arrested for suspected drug offences following the death of a 15-year-old boy at a party have been released on police bail.

A 14-year-old and two men, aged 19 and 25, were arrested by officers investigating the death of John Winter.

The three, who are all from the Barnard Castle area, in County Durham, were questioned by police at Bishop Auckland on suspicion of possessing and supplying drugs at the party at Marwood Community Centre, near the village of Kinninvie, about three miles from Barnard Castle.

John died from suspected hypothermia after he left a party and began walking across farmland to his house in Zetland Road, Barnard Castle, in freezing temperatures.

He was wearing only jeans, a T-shirt and boots.

Although he is believed to have been drinking, it is not yet know whether John had taken any drugs. Police are awaiting the results of toxicology tests, which are expected to take about a month.

Yesterday, John's mother said his death had left her feeling devastated and numb.

Amanda Winter said she had given him extra money for a taxi on the night he died.

She said: "I just expect him to walk in and kick his shoes off and shout 'Mam'."

She described him as 'intelligent and caring' boy who looked after his sister Rebecca, 17, and brother, Blake, five, adding: "They were friends as well as brothers and sister and no lad was ever good enough for Rebecca."

John was also a talented footballer and had had trials for Leeds United.

He played for the Barnard Castle junior team and yesterday Pat Estall, the chairman of Barnard Castle Football Club paid tribute to the teenager.

Mr Estall: "John played for the under-14s team and was an exceptionally good player.

"He was our top goalscorer and also won the Players' Player award which was a sign of how much he was respected by his teammates.

"He was a very pleasant lad and very polite and also a good team player.

"He will be sadly missed and remembered with fondness by everyone at the club."

Police last night warned the combination of social habits and fashions among young people made them fear another tragedy in the future.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson said: "It has become the accepted norm for young people to go out at night to pubs and clubs wearing only flimsy clothes that are stylish and comfortable indoors, but which offer no protection against the current run of freezing weather.

"Add to that drink, sometimes taken excessively, and there exists a perilous mix.

"Trying to get home through any combination of the rain, sleet, snow and driving wind that we can still get at this time of the year can so easily lead to tragedy."

Forecasters are predicting a return of freezing conditions at the weekend and Det Supt Stephenson warned young revellers not to risk their lives in the snow.