Man's death linked to suspected drug use after 20 people fall ill in Hull

An investigation has been launched after 20 people fell ill and one man died following suspected drug use in Hull.

Police were called to the Pryme Street Car Park yesterday after being alerted to a man's death by the ambulance service.

Detectives say they are currently considering whether a batch of drugs, sold as spice, could have been contaminated.

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 2 December."

A joint statement from 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.

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