Warning after spate of deaths among heroin users

Police are investigating the incidents, which may be linked to heroin deaths in West Yorkshire.

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Clearways drug and alcohol service in Rotherham, said that heroin users should seek advice on how to cope with their habit, or how to stop using.

A spokeswoman said: “We are aware of four deaths of known heroin users in the South Yorkshire region.

“Until the results of post-mortem results and toxicology tests are known, we will not know whether these deaths are heroin related. 

“However, the strength of street heroin and other additives are always unknown and to reduce risk we would always advise heroin users to try to smoke rather than inject, and if they have to inject, not to do it alone and make sure there are other people around them who can contact emergency services if they need them.

“There is always a risk associated with taking any illicit substance and anyone using any type of drugs should consider seeking professional support and advice.

“For access to confidential advice or treatment for drug or alcohol use, please call our team on Rotherham 01709 447210.”

South Yorkshire Police is investigating the deaths, which were in the Barnsley area, and arrests have been made.

But Rotherham district commander Chief Supt Rob Odell said that there was further work to be done.

He said: “We understand that there have been further deaths in the West Yorkshire region that may also be connected to drugs use. 

“We are in contact with officers in West Yorkshire but at this stage, we do not believe the deaths are linked. We will keep an open mind as our investigations continue.

“Detailed toxicological tests are being carried out and this can take some time to produce results, so while this happens we are following up a number of other lines of enquiry.

“In addition to the deaths reported to police, on Monday, April 17, we received two separate reports of individuals becoming gravely ill after taking suspected illegal substances. Thanks to the quick actions of paramedics, those individuals survived.

“I appreciate that these are concerning events and I’d urge anyone with concerns about this matter to either contact police or, if you have taken a substance and feel unwell, to seek medical support and advice immediately.

“Our absolute priority is to keep people safe from harm and to minimise any threat to life, which is why we will continue to investigate these incidents as thoroughly and as quickly as we can.”