A man has died and four people have been arrested after an “unusually strong” batch of heroin spread across North Devon.
Another eight people were treated in hospital after it was believed they had taken some of the drug across Westward Ho!, Bideford and Barnstaple.
Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident on Friday due to the threat posed to the drug-taking community after officers became aware that the batch of the Class A drug was circulating locally.
Two men and two women have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance.
The major incident was stood down on Saturday morning.
North and West Devon local policing area commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: “As soon as we were made aware of the issue this substance was likely to cause on Friday evening, we did everything possible with partners to reach out to the drug-using community to warn them of potential danger they were facing.
“We continue to work with health partners to warn those who may be substance users to exercise extreme caution.
“However, we would reassure the community we believe this is now contained.
“If anyone fears they are in danger or are in the company of someone suffering a medical episode, we would ask they contact 999 to seek appropriate medical help.”
More to follow…
