Five arrests in connection with man's death and 20 people falling ill in Hull
Humberside Police believe a contaminated batch of the drug spice may be to blame
Detectives investigating the death of a man in Hull believe the drug spice was likely a factor.
20 other people also became ill on Monday 2nd December and Tuesday 3rd December.
Humberside Police's investigation began on Monday - when they were called to reports of a man who died after a suspected overdose in Pryme Street car park.
The force's initial enquiries show a contaminated batch of drugs known as spice may have caused the death and illness.
Five people have been arrested so far - three of them remain in custody and the other two have been released as enquiries continue.
We're told officers will continue to be going house-to-house, looking through CCTV, carrying out searches and doing forensic analysis.
Updating on the investigation Detective Chief Inspector Jon Cross said: “As a part of our initial lines of enquiry, we do suspect the man’s death and subsequent illness of others, to be linked to the contamination of a batch of drugs, believed to be “spice”.
“Whilst our investigation remains at the early stages, I can confirm four men and a woman have been arrested as house to house, CCTV enquiries and searches continues as well as forensic analysis alongside specialist experts.
“My thoughts remain with the man’s family who continue to be supported by officers at this is incredibly sad time and we continue to work alongside the local authority, drugs and alcohol treatment services and the hospital trust to provide the appropriate support and advice to those who have been affected.
“I 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 2 December.”