THE North-East mother of a teenage drugs victim has pledged her support for the Rat on a Rat campaign, which aims to put dealers behind bars.

Helgi Brown's 17-year-old daughter, Lilli, died after a lethal drugs overdose on January 2 this year.

Mrs Brown, from Stockton, Teesside, believes her only child was murdered by dealers.

Detectives have confirmed they are taking the allegations seriously, and are looking into claims that Lilli was supplied with a lethal dose of drugs which killed her.

Three people were questioned in connection with the death before being released on police bail last month.

Mrs Brown said she believed the North-East, and in particular Stockton, to be particularly bad for heroin abuse.

She said: "I see dealers in the pub I know exactly who they are. They are draped in gold.

"These people ruin lives. They have ruined Lilli's life, and those of her family and friends who were so distraught when she was taken from us.

"I can't go out any more because I know the people that killed Lilli are there, and they don't care about what they have done. I don't want to leave my house in case I see them.

"Lilli was a beautiful girl with everything to live for. Everyone who knew her loved her.

"These dealers need to be caught to prevent any other young lives being ruined."

The Northern Echo and the police launched the Rat on a Rat campaign last June to help prevent drug-related deaths by encouraging people to expose dealers.

While initially being restricted to Chester-le-Street, County Durham, it is due to be extended to Darlington, and it is hoped that other areas will adopt the campaign.

Inspired by similar successful schemes in Derbyshire and London, police felt it was time to step up their efforts after a string of drug deaths in recent years.

Researchers say more than half of North-East children have tried drugs by the age of 14.

Anyone with information about suspected dealers should call Crimestoppers, anonymously if necessary, on 0800-555-111.