T. Miller 
Two people have been arrested after three deaths were linked to a suspected dangerous batch of drugs in the North East.
Two men and a woman were confirmed dead in the South Shields area on Tuesday and police warned local drug users of potential “fatal consequences”.
Northumbria Police later said a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s had been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
They remained in custody on Tuesday night.
“Our enquiries remain at a very early stage, and we would ask the public to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could prove harmful to our investigation,” said Detective Inspector Emma Martin.
“We would urge anyone with information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to contact us.”
The people who died were a man and a woman in their 30s and a man in his 40s.
Detective Inspector Martin said police are “exploring the possibility that all three deaths are linked to drugs and possibly the same batch which has led to fatal medical episodes”.
Police didn’t specify which type of drug may have been involved, but said all three deaths had occurred in the same town.
“If you are a drug user, or know anybody struggling with addiction, please be mindful of this message as we suspect this particular batch could have fatal consequences,” added Detective Inspector Martin.
