Four People Taken Ill In Newcastle

3 June 2017, 10:30 | Updated: 3 June 2017, 10:34

Police in Newcastle are warning about the dangers of taking illegal drugs after four people were taken to hospital last night.

Officers were first called to St James Boulevard in the city centre just after midnight after receiving reports of concern for the welfare of a 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman.

The woman's condiiton is currently described as potentially life-threatening but she has been stabalised by doctors.

The man was checked over by medical staff but has since been discharged.

Around an hour later police received another call to the city centre after reports of concern for the welfare of a man and a woman, both aged 18.

Both were taken to hospital by paramedics but their condition is not described as life threatening and they remain at hospital for observation.

A quantity of the drugs, believed to be ecstasy, has been seized by police and an investigation is underway to identify the person who has supplied the drugs.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward but they have also issued a warning around the dangers of taking illegal drugs.

Detective Inspector Sally MacDonald said: "Taking illegal drugs is incredibly dangerous and the fact four people have been taken ill in just one evening is particularly worrying.

"We want to alert people across the north east of the dangers of taking illegal substances, or drugs that have not been prescribed to them, as the consequences could prove to be fatal.

"If anyone has taken an illegal substance and becomes unwell then they should seek immediate medical advice but we would implore people to stay safe.

"An investigation is underway to establish who has supplied the drugs on this occasion and anyone with information about these ecstasy pills is encouraged to contact police."