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Police investigate sudden deaths in Belfast Police issue drug warning after eight sudden deaths
(about 1 hour later)
Police are investigating whether a number of sudden deaths in the Belfast area over the past number of weeks are related to drugs. Police in Northern Ireland are investigating whether eight sudden deaths are related to drugs
The deaths involve people in their 20s and 30s. The deaths, seven in Belfast and one in the north west of Northern Ireland, were of people in their 20s and 30s.
Police said that it could not be confirmed that any of the deaths were "drugs related at this stage and investigations are ongoing". The chief medical officer said those who took the tablets may have believed they were taking ecstasy.
Police are waiting for the results of forensic tests before deciding on an appropriate course of action. Police have advised people to be particularly careful if they are offered green coloured tablets with a logo of a crown or castle on them.
They are waiting for the results of forensic tests before deciding on an appropriate course of action.
They have warned members of the public: not to take controlled drugs, prescription medication that has not been prescribed to them and not to mix either with alcohol.They have warned members of the public: not to take controlled drugs, prescription medication that has not been prescribed to them and not to mix either with alcohol.
The chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, has written to various health professionals alerting them to the deaths.The chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, has written to various health professionals alerting them to the deaths.
He said that while details were limited at this stage, it appeared that a number of unmarked white tablets, may be involved, along with alcohol.He said that while details were limited at this stage, it appeared that a number of unmarked white tablets, may be involved, along with alcohol.
He said it may have been believed that the tablets were ecstasy, but that they had not yet been tested to establish what they were. He said those taking the tablets may have believed that they were ecstasy, but that they had not yet been tested to establish what they were.