One dead and 20 ill after suspected ‘contaminated’ drug use

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A man has died and 20 people have been taken ill after taking suspected “contaminated” drugs use in Hull, Humberside Police have revealed.

The incidents all happened yesterday [Monday, December 2] and today [Tuesday, December 3].

Officers were called to Pryme Street Car Park yesterday after receiving a call from the ambulance service reporting a man had died.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Cross said: “Investigations into a man’s death and 20 people who were taken ill due to suspected drug use are in their early stages; however, we are considering the possibility that they could have been caused by contaminated batches of drugs.

“We believe the drugs are being sold as Spice and forensic analysis is taking place to identify the substances, with various enquiries underway as to how the drugs have come to be in circulation, and where from.

“We would appeal to anyone who may have any information that may assist our investigation to please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 152 of December 2.”

In a joint statement, Hull City Council, Humberside Police and drug and alcohol treatment service ReNew said: “We are aware of higher than usual number of people suffering drug overdoses in Hull in the last 24 hours.

“Hull City Council’s public health and housing teams, Renew, Humberside Police and other partners are working together to reduce the ongoing risk, including a multi-agency presence in the city centre to offer support to those most at risk.

“If you find someone who is unconscious or needs medical attention, immediately call 999 and ask for an ambulance”.